Criteria for Identification and Diagnostics of Sandy Soils in Bulgaria

The present article considers the criteria for diagnostics and identification of sandy soils in Bulgaria. The research so far has proved that they have a soil profile structure of the type A-AC-C, sand content over 75% in the surface horizon and of 80-90% in the soil formation rock. With some exceptions they are non-fragmented soils. The humus content most often varies from very low to low and average by way of exception. The total content of iron is most often low and in isolated cases it is higher, which could be considered as an exception, too. The soil reaction is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The relative and volumetric density are high and very high and the general porosity vary from low to average. According to the water-physical indicators these soils are hydrophilic and very rarely - hydrophobic. The carbonate variation determines to a greatest extent the Sandy soil classification on a lower taxonomic level. The sorption capacity is low to average while the base saturation is high. The content of primary minerals is inherited and is determined by quartz and feldspars. This defines sandy soils as primitive ones with underdeveloped soilformation process.