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duricrusts

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Chapter 5 - Soils: Foundations of Fertility
from Part I - The Physical Cradle: Land Forms, Geology, Climate, Hydrology and Soils
Norman Owen-Smith, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Book:

Only in Africa

Published online:

09 September 2021

Print publication:

07 October 2021, pp 49-60
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Summary

This chapter describes the soil features influencing fertility and hydrology, including clay contents and mineral nutrient retention. Volcanic rocks produce clay-rich soils that retain their inherent fertility under low rainfall conditions. Coarsely sandy soils have low nutrient-holding capacity, especially under high rainfall, but allow greater water penetration. Duricrusts restrict water infiltration on ancient surfaces. Soil features are modified further by termites and human settlements. Eastern Africa has unusually fertile soils for the tropics due to its relatively drier climate and widespread volcanic influences.