A soil sequence in the natural and reclaimed marshes of the Guadalquivir river, Seville (Spain)

Abstract

Five soil profiles from a saline zone in the province of Seville "Marismas del Guadalquivir", SW. Spain) and one from an adjacent non-saline zone, have been analyzed in order to determine their physical and chemical properties and their classification. All of these soils are recent and of fine texture. Hydraulic conductivity, except in top layers, as well as aeration porosity, is always low; non-available water holding capacity and linear extensibility, high. Differences are however found between those located near the river channel and those at the limit of Marismas in contact with vertisols, due to parent material, situation and use. Particularly noticeable is the progressive increment of their vertic character.