Physicochemical and mineralogical properties of red Mediterranean soils from Greece

Soils in regions with Mediterranean climate usually have distinct features that determine their quality and productivity. The objective of this investigation was the characterization of a number of red Mediterranean soils from Greece and their properties in relation to their development and the agricultural crop production. The soils studied are classified as Haploxeralfs and Rhodoxeralfs. The texture of the soils ranges from clay to clay-loam and sandy-clay-loam. The pH ranges from 5.2 to 7.69, the organic matter ranges from 3.01 to 6.3%, the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) ranges from 0 to 5.3%, the redness rating ranges from 2.5 to 6.3, and the ratio (Fed-Feo) x 100/Fed, which is an index of the degree of crystallization of the iron (Fe) oxides, ranges from 45.17 to 93.34. The parent materials of the soils were limestones, schist-gneiss, flysch-marl, alluvium, and ophiolites. In the clay fraction, kaolinite and micas dominate, whereas in the fine sand fraction, quartz and feldspars dominate. This study indicated that the Mediterranean climate affects many soil properties, and the efficient water use and fertilization by crops was crucial to the sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture.