Soils of the Pampean Region

Abstract

Pampean landscapes are characterized by the presence ofextensive plains originally covered by grasslands. At present,rainfed production of cereal and oil crops is the maineconomic farming activity of the region and constitutes ahigh proportion of Argentina exports. The most fertile soilsof Argentina are located in this region. They are Mollisols(mainly Argiudolls and Hapludolls), the most important andwidespread soil order in the region. Argiudolls are usuallyvery deep and show a complex profile, with highlydifferentiated horizons. Hapludolls have simpler profileswith surface layers occupied by coarser deposits. LocalMollisols were developed from loessic materials of predominantlysilty granulometry, with some involvement of sand,leading to very favourable natural soil physical conditionsfor crop growth. Other conspicuous soil orders are Entisolsand Alfisols. In this chapter, soil genesis and major soil typesare described and four subregions were considered: Northern,Western, Southern and Flooding Pampa.