Transformation of clay minerals in soils of sandy deserts under different saxaul species

As a result of experimental studies carried out for the first time with the aim at determining the impact of black (Haloxylon aphyllum) and white Saxaul (Haloxylon persicum) on the mineralogical composition of fine-dispersed fractions in sandy desert soils, it seemed reasonable to conclude that the transformation of minerals is quite different in soils used under different Saxaul species. This is explained by differences in biogeochemical turnover of elements in soils under black Saxaul and as a consequence by a higher Na content in the litter and the soda formation in the soil profile. The latter serves as a cause of alkalinization of soil solutions and transformation of minerals affected by alkaline hydrolysis.