Mineralogical Composition and Genesis Properties of Soils ‎Formed on Igneous Rocks in Some Areas of Latakia ‎Governorate

Samar Ghanem*(1) and Adel Rukia(1)

(1). Department of Soil and Water  Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author:  Eng. Samar  Ghanem. E-Mail: samar77ghanem@gmail.com).

Received: 02/05/2019                               Accepted: 01/10/2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was conducted in 2018, to study the mineralogical properties as well as, the origin of the soil formed on an igneous rock in the coastal region in lattakia governorate. Soil survey had been conducted in the study area, then two soil profiles were chosen as a representative one. Soil profiles were described and soil samples were collected for physical, chemical, morphological, and mineralogical studies. The results showed that the soil profiles were undeveloped, newly formed, with high soil composition formed from the parent material. The micro morphological study of the parent material, as well as the mineralogical composition and weathering process emphasized the domination of primary minerals, where the weathering process was still in the early stages. Nevertheless, the occurrence of some secondary minerals such as Kaolinite and Leucite can be considered as transferred minerals or formed in a previous suitable conditions for it. Similarly, Philipsite can be considered as secondary minerals formed from weathering of igneous rocks. All in all, according to the American soil classification, the soil can be classified as follows: (Order, Suborder, Great group, Sub group).

P1: Entisols, Orthents, Xerorthents,  Typic Xerorthents .

P2: Entisols, Orthents, Xerorthents, Lithic Xerorthents .

Keywords: Mineral composition, Micro morphological study, Diagnostic properties, Soil classification, Weathering indicators.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF