Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Properties of Alluvial Soils

...
Steve Allen/Photodisc/Getty Images

Alluvial soil is rich in nutrients and may contain heavy metals. These soils are formed when streams and rivers slow their velocity. The suspended soil particles are too heavy for the decreasing current to carry and are deposited on the riverbed. The finest particles are deposited at the mouth of the river, forming a delta. Alluvial soils vary in mineral content and specific soil characteristics depending on the region and geologic makeup of the area.

High Rate of Root Turnover

Increased wetting and drying cycles cause high root turnover in alluvial soil. Alfalfa root systems increase water flow and macroporosities in alluvial soils, according to Javed Iqbal, et al., in a 2005 report prepared for Purdue University's Agronomy Department. This property of alluvial soil is important in farming different types of grasses, rice, potatoes, wheat and other food crops.

Magnetic Properties

Depending on the area where the alluvial soil is located, it will have different magnetic properties. Contaminants in the rivers and streams that create alluvial soil -- such as heavy metals and magnetic minerals -- create magnetic fields in the soil. Contaminants including lead, zinc and cadmium enter the waterways from lead ore smelters, factories and other sources of chemical pollutants. Scientists use these magnetic properties to determine pollution levels and map polluted and unpolluted areas, according to the September issue of the “Journal of Applied Geophysics.”

Fertile Soil

Alluvial soil is rich in minerals and nutrients -- highly fertile, and a good crop soil. It often contains gravel, sand and silt. The chemical content of the soil will depend on where it is located. The topography of the land will influence what runs off into the river that eventually forms the alluvial soil. One example is the volcanic pumice in the western part of Mexico's Nayarit state. The alluvial soils of the region are pumiceous and have unique physical and chemical properties that provide a good environment for vigorous plant growth, according to J.E. Gama-Castro, et al., in an article published in the June 2000 issue of “Soil and Tillage Research.”

Related Articles

What Types of Soil Are Found in Georgia?
What Types of Soil Are Found in Georgia?
Soil Pollution Types
Soil Pollution Types
Canadian Soil Types
Canadian Soil Types
Types of Soil in the U.S.
Types of Soil in the U.S.
Idaho Soil Types
Idaho Soil Types
Types of Soil Investigation
Types of Soil Investigation
The Best Agricultural Soils in the World
The Best Agricultural Soils in the World
Types of Soil With Radon
Types of Soil With Radon
The Best Soil Types to Grow Grapes in Maryland
The Best Soil Types to Grow Grapes in Maryland
Different Types of Soil & Their Vegetation in India
Different Types of Soil & Their Vegetation in India
Porosity of Different Types of Soils
Porosity of Different Types of Soils
The Effects of Phosphate on Plants & Water
The Effects of Phosphate on Plants & Water
What Types of Soil Are in Wisconsin?
What Types of Soil Are in Wisconsin?
The Best Soil Types for Growing Oats
The Best Soil Types for Growing Oats
What Soil Types Are in Nebraska?
What Soil Types Are in Nebraska?
Examples of Clay Soil
Examples of Clay Soil
Ohio Soil Types
Ohio Soil Types
Crops Grown in Floodplains
Crops Grown in Floodplains
Garden Guides
×