Azonal

Azonal soils are soils that lack well-defined horizons. Their profile development is minimal or absent due to various factors that inhibit or prevent the typical soil-forming processes. These factors can include:

• Youth: The parent material is very recent, such as fresh alluvial deposits or volcanic ash, and has not had sufficient time to undergo significant weathering and horizon development.
• Steep Slopes: Rapid erosion on steep slopes prevents the accumulation and stabilization of soil materials necessary for horizon formation. Gravity continuously removes topsoil, hindering development.
• Unstable Parent Material: Certain parent materials, such as shifting sands or unstable rock fragments, do not provide a stable base for soil development.
• Extreme Climatic Conditions: While climate is a major soil-forming factor, extreme conditions, such as permafrost regions or areas with high salinity, can inhibit normal horizon development. Permafrost locks up organic matter, while high salinity can disrupt soil structure.
• Poor Drainage: Constant saturation can impede oxidation and decomposition, preventing the formation of distinct horizons.
• Human Activity: Significant disturbances, such as repeated plowing or removal of topsoil, can destroy or prevent horizon development.

Because they lack distinct horizons, azonal soils are often poorly developed and may exhibit properties close to those of the parent material. The term "azonal" indicates a lack of typical soil horizons (A, B, C), rather than a specific soil classification in modern soil taxonomy systems.