Climate and Geomorphology Control Pedogenesis: A Case Study in Dryland Agricultural Soils of Southern Haryana, India

Pedogenic characterization and classification are fundamental for sustainable land use planning in fragile dryland ecosystems. Understanding the vertical distribution of inherent soil properties is essential for evaluating their suitability and management requirements. This study was conducted to characterize, classify and assess the fertility status of representative dryland soils of southern Haryana, India as controlled by prevalent climate and geomorphology. Five pedons representing aeolian sand dunes and fluvio-aeolian plains were studied through standard field description and laboratory analyses, and classified under WRB for Soil Resources and USDA Soil Taxonomy guidelines. Morphological observations revealed clear contrasts among landforms: Dune pedons (1 and 2) exhibited simple A–C profiles, sandy texture, and weak structure, indicating minimal pedogenesis, whereas pedons from fluvio-aeolian plain (3–5) showed A–B–C profiles with subangular blocky structure and carbonate accumulation, reflecting early horizon development. Physico-chemical properties indicated alkaline reaction (pH 7.31–8.87), mostly non-saline conditions (EC 0.15–0.52 dS m–1, except higher values in Pedon 5), low organic carbon (0.07–0.57%), and low to moderate cation exchange capacity. Nitrogen was deficient, phosphorus ranged from low to medium, and potassium was adequate to high; micronutrient deficiencies, particularly Zn and Fe, were common. Base saturation exceeded 90%. The soils occur under hyperthermic temperature and ustic moisture regimes. According to WRB for Soil Resources and USDA Soil Taxonomy systems, soils were classified as Arenosols and Typic Ustipsamments (Pedon 1), Regosols and Typic Ustorthents (Pedon 2), and Cambisols/Calcisols and Typic Haplustepts (Pedons 3–5), respectively. Overall, geomorphic setting and pedogenic processes strongly influenced soil development and land use potential, providing a basis for site-specific management in arid to semi-arid regions of Haryana.