- Low Fertility: Desert soils are typically low in fertility due to the scarcity of water and organic matter. The lack of moisture restricts the breakdown of organic materials required for nutrient replenishment, resulting in poor soil fertility.
- Drought-Resistant Crop Suitability: Despite the challenging conditions, desert soils can sustain certain drought-resistant crops like barley, pearl millet, and pulses. These crops have adapted to survive in arid environments and can utilize limited water resources efficiently.
- Limited Agricultural Use: The scarcity of water in desert soils limits their agricultural potential. However, certain drought-tolerant crops and agricultural practices tailored for arid conditions allow some agricultural activities in these areas.
- Primarily Pastoral Activities: Due to the challenges of cultivating crops, desert soils are often used more for pastoral activities such as grazing land for livestock. Nomadic pastoralism and limited farming are common in these regions due to water constraints.