On the Possible Significance of High Free Iron Oxide Content in Mabí Clay, a Vertisol from East-Central Puerto Rico

Abstract

Data are given here on the free iron oxide content of Mabí clay, an Aquic Chromudert montmorillonitic-isophyperthermic Vertisol from east-central Puerto Rico. A mean value of 14.4 percent was obtained with a high of 15.9 and a low of 12.6. These values are, as compared with the 13-percent average content of free iron oxides in Cialitos clay, those of a typical Ultisol. Probably the same genetic process was involved to some extent in the formation of these soils. There are definite indications that this high iron content can be of value in stabilizing mechanically created soil structure.