[1][2] It is an effect specific to soils of the vertisolic variety, and is triggered by the constant cycles of wetting and drying[1] It is characterized by wide (up to 2 centimetres (0.79 in)), deep (50 centimetres (20 in) or more) vertical cracks in the solum that contain differing materials from the rest of the soil layer they are found in, as well as sloughed-in surface materials.
[6] It can also result in a gently-rolling surface referred to as gilgai topography and in the dramatic soil inclusions known as slickensides.
[1][7] In addition, argillipedoturbation sometimes results in a chernozemic-like A-type horizon, or one resembling a gleysolic order soil.
[8] The effects of this process are useful in agriculture, as the organic surface materials fertilize the soil and cause them to become very productive when irrigated.
However, they are very difficult to plow and manage due to the high, thoroughly mixed clay content.