[Arid_gardener] Re:Soil Differences in Maricopa County

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: <sandybeachforme at cox.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 6:33 PM> What are the soil differences 
throughout maricopa county

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You ask a pretty big question.  Maybe you should consult a geologist instead 
of gardeners.

The county comprises about 5,9000,000 acres.  With lava beds in regions like 
the Superstition Wilderness and the McDowell Mountains, granite in the White 
Tanks, a mixture in The Eagle Tails, alluvial deposits in the Salt River 
Valley, scree in the bajadas, orange clay in most of the flatlands, we 
probably have just about every type of soil there is except the rich, loamy 
farm land that they have in the Midwest.  Because of the arid climate and 
high evaporation the soil is low in Nitrogen and organic matter.  Thus many 
native, leguminous plants (Palo Verde, Mesquite, Ironwood, acacias) have 
become established because they can take in Nitrogen from the air.  But 
yours is really a question for geologists.  Try the geology department at 
ASU , U of A, or NAU.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ