Arcillosos

Arcillosos refers to soils predominantly composed of clay minerals. These soils are characterized by very fine particle sizes, typically less than 0.002 millimeters in diameter. Due to their small particle size, clay particles have a high surface area, which leads to strong cohesive forces when the soil is wet. This cohesiveness is responsible for the plasticity of clay soils, allowing them to be molded when moist but hardening significantly when dry.

The properties of arcillosos soils can vary widely depending on the specific clay mineralogy, the amount of organic matter, and the presence of other soil components like sand and silt. Generally, clay soils have a low permeability, meaning water and air do not move through them easily. This can lead to waterlogging and reduced aeration for plant roots. However, when dry, they can become very hard and impermeable, posing challenges for cultivation and construction.

Despite their limitations, arcillosos soils are fertile due to their ability to retain water and nutrients. The negative electrical charges on clay particle surfaces attract and hold positively charged nutrient ions, making them available to plants. Many agricultural regions worldwide have soils classified as arcillosos, and understanding their behavior is crucial for effective land management, agriculture, and civil engineering projects. Their high plasticity and shrink-swell potential require careful consideration in construction to prevent structural issues.