The Influence of Parent Materials on Some Characteristics of the Soils of a Semi-Arid Catchment

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the influence of parent materials on some characters of Mukokodo catchment in Laikipia District, Kenya. The study area is in a semi-arid region (agro climatic zone-V) and occupies 252 hectares. Average annual rainfall and temperature are 563 mm and 18-20°C respectively (Sombroek et al., 1982). The catchment is covered by metamorphic rocks of pre-cambrian age. The main rocks are the granitic gneisses which were formed as a result of metamorphism.