Friday, April 6, 2007

Grand Canyon Soil

Upon visiting the Hualapai Reservation, I realized that the soils of the Grand Canyon area are not suited to production. Grass was often absent in the front yards of the homes. I did not see any gardens. The size and even distribution of the trees were another tell-tale sign that the soils were undeveloped.

I have learned that the soils of the Grand Canyon vary. They range from moist forest soils to shallow, dry mineral soils and bedrock exposures. Soil textures of the inner canyon are sandy loam, sands, or loamy sands.

Soil types of the Grand Canyon erode very easily and restore nutrients slowly. These sandy soils allow water to be absorbed immediately, a process which leaves soils dry shortly after a raninfall. The soils require little disturbance to create erosion problems. Many park areas show essentially no human impact to soils. Other areas, formerly used for farming, grazing, and mining, and the developed areas, have impacted soils.

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