Pedological Characteristics of Indurated/ Compacted Layers : Hardened Layers in Some Arid and Semiarid Soils

Occurrence of cementation, induration and compaction is a common feature in soil profiles of arid and semiarid regions. These layers have negative effect on soil quality and sustainable agriculture production. The pedological characteristics of the indurated or compacted soil layers have not received the attention they merit, particularly in the newly reclaimed soils, where soil induration or compaction should be avoided. Studying of the pedological properties of indurated or compacted soil is considered one of the major steps for evaluating induration and compaction problems, and for suggesting the proper ways to manage those soils. The current study was conducted to study some pedological characteristics of indurated and/or compacted layers in some soil profiles in arid and semiarid regions in Egypt.