Question

Compare and contrast histosols and ardisols, the soils of bogs and peat marshes versus those of deserts and arid regions respectively

Answer 1

In both the USDA soil taxonomy, and the FAO soil classification, histosol refers to a soil comprising mainly of organic substances, they are illustrated as exhibiting 16 inches or more of organic soil substance in the upper 31 inches. The organic soil substance exhibits an organic carbon constituent of 12 to 18%, or more, based on the clay constituent of the soil.  

On the other hand, ardisols are found in the xeric shrublands and deserts that form about 1/3rd of the land surface of the Earth. The ardisols possesses a very low amount of organic matter, signifying the scarcity of vegetative production on these dry soils. The deficiency of water is the prime illustrating feature of ardisols.