The classification of Ghanadian soils for cocoa rehabilitation
Since 1945, soil survey and classification have been used as a basis for the development of the cocoa industry in Ghana on an increasing scale to ensure survival and productivity of the crop. Soil survey methods have undergone modifications throughout these years mainly to reduce cost but not at the expense of the necessary basic data. Environmental conditions conducive to the successful growth of cocoa prevail in the semi-deciduous forest area of Ghana where rainfall ranges between 1,250-1,500 mm (50-65 in) per annum. Within this belt, differences in growth performance of cocoa have sometimes been attributed to the nature of the soil parent material. On the basis of the parent material, physical and morphological characteristics, soil within the cocoa growing areas of Ghana may be grouped into four main categories. These are: 1. Drift soils, 2. Sedentary soils, 3. Colluvial soils and 4. Alluvial soils. Drift soils are developed on piedmont slopes or old peneplains. Sedentary soils have developed in situ over granites, phyllites and sandstones. Colluvial and alluvial soils are associated with the sedentary parent materials. The significance of these soils, in particular their physical characteristics, for the growth of cocoa is discussed. For cocoa rehabilitation purposes six soil suitability classes have been proposed for use in Ghana
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | biblioteca |
Published: |
Tafo (Ghana)
1971
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Subjects: | SUELOS, CLASIFICACION DE SUELOS, PROPIEDADES FISICO-QUIMICAS SUELO, REHABILITACION DE TIERRAS, PLANTACIONES, GHANA, |
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