Soil classification, pedogenesis and land evaluation in Kapini area Lusaka Zambia

Abstract

Back ground information related to classification, pedogeneris and land evaluation is briefly given. Ot includes information on geology, geomorphology, topography, drainage, climate and vegetation. Literature on soil classification in relation to local and international classification systems is reviewed. Literature review on pedogenesis critically focus on soil genesis work in Zambia in relation to important soil forming factors. International and local land evaluation systems are reviewed together with concepts that are not used consistently and have often caused lots of confusion in land evaluation. The results of the study can briefly be summarized as follows:

The soils are classified into four major orders: Oxisols, Ultisols, Alfisols and Inceptisols. (Soil Survey Staff 1975) or as Ferralsols, Luvisols, Acrisols, Regosols, and Lithosols (F.A.O./UNESCO 1974). Classification is pursued up to the family level and sub-unit level respectively. The major processes which are important in pedogenesis are: Elnviation Illuviation, Cumilation, Pedoturbation, Desilication, Perrilization Decomposition and Synthesis. Geology was found to be the most important soil forming factor. Most of the soils in the area are moderately suitable to crop production (60%). The major limitation to crop production are fertility (for the Orisols), flooding, moisture availability, stoniness and rooting depth. Socio-economically the area is not suited to each crop production at subsistence and intermediate management levels. The area has a high potential for crop production especially with improved management level.