Study of the State of Development of Some Iraqi Dried Marshes Soils by Using Mineral Indicators

Abstract

This study was carry out to understand the effect of drying on some properties of marsh soils, and to show the degree of development by using minerals indictors. Four pedons of dried marshes soils have been selected from locations near two main marshes in Misan province, south of Iraq ,two represented samples (surface and subsurface) from each pedon are selected and collected in plastic bags, after sampling and preparation of soil by air drying , grinding and sieving in 2 mm sieve, the two samples placed in plastic container to keep them for physical and chemical analysis, many physical and chemical and mineralogical properties was determined , The physical properties results showed that the studied soils were fine and moderate texture. The values of bulk density were high, especially in sub horizon (C) of pedon3 The chemical properties results showed, increasing in salinity levels (EC), and CaC0 3 especially in the surface horizons of unreclaim soils. The cation exchange capacity was decreased with depth, while soil reaction (pH) was in the natural range of Iraqi soils. Organic matter content was decreased with depth in pedones (No. 2), due to the effect of natural conditions on the plant covering during flooding stage. The results of x-ray diffracition and weathering index showed that the drying process did not affect the mineralogical component of studied pedons, reveals that Smectite, kaolinite and Illite were the dominant minerals, in addition to small amounts of Chlorite and palygorskite.