In hyperarid areas, the characteristics and properties of alluvial soils are not well known. For an in-depth understanding of the characteristics and mineralogy of soils formed on alluvial calcareous parent material under an arid and hyperarid climate, a morphological and analytical study on seven pedons of Northern Sahara of Algeria was undertaken. The study aimed to identify the variations in physical, chemical, and mineralogical composition of alluvial soils of wadi Nsa. These soils are arenic to loamic texture, non to slightly saline, slightly to moderately alkaline with good drainage conditions. They have well stratified layers, reflecting the interaction between alluvial and aeolian processes. Based on the nature and composition, the studied soils are classified as Aridisols (Haplocambids) and Entisols (Torriorthents and Torrifluvents) according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy (2014) and as Fluvic Cambisol, Calcaric Fluvisol and Skeletic Fluvisol according to the WRB-FAO (2014). X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that palygorskite and illite are present throughout the clay fraction of soil samples in all profiles. However, Kaolinite, chlorite and smectite are less abundant.

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