The main characteristic of the Sonoran Desert’s soil is that it is sandy and dry.

The Sonoran Desert’s soil is primarily sandy and dry, a result of the region's arid climate. This type of soil is coarse and often lacks significant nutrients, making it less fertile than soils found in other ecosystems. The dry conditions also mean the soil has a low capacity to retain moisture, which poses challenges for plant and animal life. However, many desert plants and animals have adapted to these harsh conditions. Cacti, shrubs, and other desert species have evolved deep root systems and other survival strategies to thrive in the sandy, dry soil.