Soils of the Kapenguria Arba (quarter degree sheet 75), 1976

Abstract

The present soil survey is the second in a series "Reconnaissance Soil Surveys" with multi-purpose land evaluation, per topographic nop sheet. The southern part may be taken as an example for the high- potential, low-population areas of the country. It is situated partly at nediun altitude (Kitcle-Kapenguria area), partly at high altitude (Cherongani hills). The northern part belongs to the medium-potential, low population areas of the country. It is shown in the report that the soil resources in the southern part are often of noderate to high quality. There is some scope for opening-up of new land, but most of the agricultural development will have to come from the improvement and intensification of the existing types of land use. A good part of the Cherongani hills aren is recommended for silviculture rather than for crop production or livestock farning. Because of the steep slopes such farming would lead to rapid dininishing of the organic matter rich topsoils and to substantial erosion, unless exponsive and very strict soil conservation measures are taken. In the northern half of the aren the land resources are poor. Most of the north-eastern part has very steep slopes and shallow soils. Here the naintenance of a protective vegetation cover is recccmended, also to safeguard the hydrological potential of the rivers originating in the area.