Occurrence Utilization And Research Activities On Veertisoils In Kenya.

Abstract

Veertisoils and associated soils in Kenya occupy approximately 2.8 million hectares of land. This is equivalent to 4.9% of the total land area. Of this, 14% is found in relatively humid areas while 86% is in semi-arid to arid regions of the country. These soils are commonly referred to as "black cotton soils" or black cracking clay soils". They occur from the sea level to altitudes above 2,000 meters and are scattered allover the country as shown in Figure 1. Veertisoils occur extensively in the Athi plains around Nairobi, Kano plains, Mwea Irrigation Schemes, Masai-Mara, Loita Plains and parts of North Eastern Kenya.