Poorly drained soils in Venezuela

Abstract

By poorly drained soils we are including those saturated with water for important periods of the year and that show hydromorphic features in their profile. Taxonomically, we are talking of Acuic suborders of Vertisols, Inceptisols, Entisols, Ultisols, Alfisols, and organic soils or Histosols. They mainly occur in flat alluvial plains subjected to flooding and in a lesser proportion to high water tables. According to the best estimates, they occupy around 20% of the nation or 18.2 million hectares. The dominant use is extensive grazing, rice, and reserves of flora and fauna. The main areas in the country are Continental deltaic plains, Plains of Apure State, Orinoco Delta, Southern plains of Maracaibo Lake, and Caribbean Coastal plains. A discussion of each area includes its main characteristics, extension, origin, pedogenesis, taxonomy, and present and potential land use.