Soil subgroup
Albacualf mólico
It has a dark surface rich in organic matter, almost like that of a Molisol.
What the name says
Soil Taxonomy names are built from parts, and each part says something about the soil. From general to specific:
| Taxonomic order | Alfisol | Soil with a clay accumulation horizon (argillic or natric) and good base saturation, but without the thick, dark surface of a Molisol. |
|---|---|---|
| Suborder | Acualf | Alfisol with excess water: saturated near the surface part of the year, with redox depletions. |
| Great group | Albacualf | Within the Acualf suborder, it has a albic horizon (clear and washed) about a sudden change in texture. |
| Subgroup | mólico | It has a dark surface rich in organic matter, almost like that of a Molisol. |
What it means for farming
Acceptable fertility, but the surface layer is thinner and poor in organic matter. In the Pampas region many Alfisoles are sodic or floodable (Natracualfes) and are left for livestock.
Where it is found
According to the 1:500.000 national map, it covers about 125.745 ha, spread over 7 districts.
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National map units that list it. The scale is 1:500.000: good for seeing the region, not a single property.
| Province | Area |
|---|---|
| Santa Fe | 80.049 ha |
| Córdoba | 43.460 ha |
| Corrientes | 1.167 ha |
Districts where it is most common
Other Albacualf subgroups
Soils it shares map units with
Several soils share each map unit. These are the ones most often found alongside this one: on a property, you will likely find them in the nearby low ground or on the next rise.
The definitions are a plain-language summary of the USDA Keys to Soil Taxonomy. The formal definition includes thickness, color and percentage thresholds that are left out here.
Sources
- Soil Survey Staff. (2014). Claves para la Taxonomía de Suelos, 12.ª edición. USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service. · Dominio público (USDA)
- INTA · Dominio público (carta 1:500.000)