Gypsisols can only be found in arid regions, in level or hilly land and depression areas (e.g. former inland lakes). World-wide extent of Gypsisols is approximately 1 million km2.

Gypsisols have substantial secondary accumulation of gypsum in the subsurface. Most Gypsisols formed when gypsum, dissolved from gypsiferous parent materials, moved through the soil with the soil moisture and precipitated in an accumulation layer. Where soil moisture moves predominantly upward (i.e. where a net evaporation surplus exists for an extended period each year), a gypsic or petrogypsic horizon occurs at shallower depth than a layer with lime accumulation (if present). Gypsum is leached from the surface soil in wet winter seasons. In arid regions with hot, dry summers, gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) dehydrates to loose, powdery hemihydrate (CaSO4.0.5H2O), which reverts to gypsum during the moist winter. Gypsum precipitates in the soil body as fine, white, powdery crystals in former root channels (gypsum pseudomycelium) or in pockets, or as coarse crystalline gypsum sand, or in strongly cemented petrogypsic horizons. In places it forms pendants below pebbles and stones or rosettes (desert roses).

The natural vegetation is sparse and dominated by xerophytic shrubs and trees and/or ephemeral grasses. However, deep Gypsisols located close to water resources can be planted to a wide range of crops. Yields are severely depressed where a petrogypsic horizon occurs at shallow depth. Nutrient imbalance, stoniness, and uneven subsidence of the land surface upon dissolution of gypsum in percolating (irrigation) water are further limitations. Irrigation canals must be lined to prevent the canal walls from caving in. Most areas of Gypsisols are in use for low volume grazing.

Gypsisols cover just over 4,000 km2 in Europe, which makes up only a one per thousand of its total soil resources. Gypsisols are present only in Spain forming dominant soil reference group in 33 cases.

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