Systematische grondkaarteering van Zuid-Sumatra

This systematic soil survey covers an area of about 50,000 sq.km, that consists of marshes, coastal plains, hills and mountains. Soils were classified as dry-land soils, marsh soils and peat soils, and subdivided as Residual and Sedimentary soils. Most soils are derived from liparitic, dacitic and andesitic volcanic rocks. All soils are influenced by recent fertile volcanic ash, which had rejuvenated these soils. Only 8 % of the area was cultivated; most land was covered with tropical rain- forest.The soil map shows 65 soil mapping units. The principle soils are different Lateritic soils, especially Yellowish-Brown Lateritic soils, Reddish-Brown Lateritic soils, Alluvial soils and swampy marine Hydromorphic soils. Of all soil mapping units descriptions were made of typical soil profiles, the parent material, the chemical, physical and mineral characteristics and an evaluation was given of their agricultural value.