Arenosols are azonal soils with course texture to a depth of one meter or to a hard layer. They are developed both in residual sands, in situ after weathering of old, usually quartz-rich soil material or rock, and in recently deposited sands as occur in deserts and beach lands.
Arenosols are present in all continents and cover around 7 of the earth surface (approximately 9 million km2) thus being one of the most common soil group in the world.
Arenosols in the Temperate Zone show signs of more advanced soil formation than Arenosols in arid regions. They occur predominantly in fluvio-glacial, alluvial, lacustrine, marine or aeolian quartzitic sands of very young to Tertiary age.
Soil formation is limited by low weathering rate and frequent erosion of the surface. If vegetation has not developed, shifting sands dominate. Accumulation of organic matter in the top horizon and/or lamellae of clay, and/or humus and iron complexes, mark periods of stability. Arenosols are easyly erodable with slow weathering rate, low water and nutrient holding capacity and low base saturation. However, the high permeability and easy workability qualifies these soils for high agricultural potential depending on the availability of water and fertilization.
Arenosols cover nearly 5% of the land surface of Europe. Major areas of Arenosols are located on the north-eastern regions of the continent. However, certain regions in Central Europe, the UK, France, Portugal and Spain are also covered by Arenosols.