Major inputs of aeolian material. Low rates of erosion, especially in ancient shield deserts such as the Sahara and in Australia, permitting the survival of extensive areas of very old soils. Abrupt soil boundaries as a consequence of abrupt thresholds in soil behavior with respect to slope, drainage, and windblown sand and organic material. Lower thresholds to degradation processes than humid soils. Rocks and gravels decompose to finer particles.
Sand remains in the area, forming plains and dunes over old erosional surfaces.
Soils that form from this wind blown sediment have high water infiltration rates. While these high rates assure capture of rainfall, sandy soils hold less water for plant uptake than finer textured soils. Sandy soils pose other difficulties for vegetation. If strong winds occur shortly after seeds germinate, the seedlings are at great risk to death by sand blasting. Sand mobility and resulting dunes can threaten buildings, roads, and irrigated agriculture land.