In situ Soil Fractions (Sand, Silt and Clay Percentage) and pH Data at Sample Sites in Arid Region of India

The data presented here consists percentage of sand, silt, clay and pH at surface (~5cm) and subsurface (~5-15cm) at various sample locations in arid region of Great Indian Thar Desert falling in Rajasthan state of India. Mainly, the samples collected falls in four districts namely, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur, and Jodhpur.

A total of 24 soil samples, each with ~2 kg weight were collected at surface (~ 5 cm depth) and subsurface (between 5-15 cm depth) in the sample locations. The samples were randomly selected but ensured to be well distributed with a rationale that the sample site is having minimum of 5 ha of homogeneous signature with respect to soil texture variation as appeared from satellite imagery. Care was taken while selecting sampling locations such at that it won’t have any litter deposition or weed growth. Locations with excessive moisture content were also avoided. Also, the samples are chosen such that the landscape contains sparse vegetation and avoided sand dunes due to their potential to participate in aeolian process. Predominantly, species like Calligonum polygonoides, Aerva persica, Citrullus colocynthi, Prosopis Juliflora, Ziziphus mauritiana, Prosopis cineraria and Fagonia bruguieri were found in this landscape. Out of 24 samples, in one location we are unable to collect subsurface soil as there is bedrock after at a depth of 6 cm.