The soils of Mashuru Disision,Kajiado District

Abstract

Following a Kajiado district stakeholder workshop held in May 1996 it was recommended that the Kenya Soil Survey (KSS) carries out a systematic land resources (Soils, Vegetation! land use and the Socio-economy) inventory of the district. The broad objective of the project was to provide land resources information to the developmental agencies and the extension service in Kajiado. This information would facilitate better management and utilization of the soil resources. Mashuru division was selected as the pilot area. For reporting on the soils part, the [mal outputs were: A generalised report on the major soils; maps indicating the types and distribution of the soils; land degradation! soil erosion maps; and information on the nutrient status of the different soils. This survey has identified the major soil types in the nine landform units ofMashuru. These include the Hills, Footslopes, Plateau, Uplands, High Level Plains, Erosional Plains, Piedmont Plains, River Alluvial Plains and Bottomlands. The distribution, physical and chemical properties of the soils are given in Tables and maps. Other areas of local economic potential in Mashuru were identified. Such are areas suitable for harvesting underground honey, mining construction stones, river sand, limestone, gypsum and construction of shallow water dams (local name Silanga). Soils for making earthen building bricks and blocks. Areas under high risk of erosion are shown.