Minerals in soil environments

Abstract

This chapter discusses a short review of soil taxonomy and the relationship of soil mineralogy and taxonomy. Quartz is the most common component of the sand and silt fractions in most soils. Feldspars are the most widespread primary minerals in soils. Soil vermiculites include both trioctahedral and dioctahedral types. Smectite is a common soil mineral in temperate and cold climates, and to a lesser extent in tropical environments, where leaching is limited because of low precipitation, a restrictive layer in the profile, or a high water table. Serpentine made up appreciable amounts of the clay and fine sand throughout the profiles, but decreased in both fractions with proximity to the surface in the podzolic soil. Kaolinite and halloysite differ primarily in morphology and structure and, in the case of the hydrated form. Titanium and zirconium minerals are widespread in soils, but rarely make up more than a fraction of a percent.