Clay minerals and humus complexes in five Kenyan soils derived from volcanic ash

Abstract

Clay minerals and humus complexes and their effects on soil chemical properties were studied for five profiles around the Longonot and Susua volcanoes in Kenya. Morphologically, all profiles have some resemblance to Andepts, but there were clear-cut differences in clay contents and mineral composition as well as pH between profiles 1 through 4 and profile 5, which occur under semi-arid to subhumid and under humid climatic conditions, respectively. Profiles 1 through 4 contained embryonic halloysites with X-rays amorphous iron oxide and silica, whereas profile 5 contained a kaolin mineral, chloritized 2:1 layer silicates, gibbsite and hematite. These mineral associations probably represent early and advanced stages of weathering of volcanic ash under weak and strong leaching conditions, respectively. Embryonic halloysites consisted of more or less poorly ordered halloysite and “1.0- and 0.7-1.0-nm minerals”. The carbon contents of A horizons ranged from 100 to 112 g/kg in profiles 2, 3 and 5. Humus complexes increased in the order; Fehumus ⩽ Al-humus ⩽ Ca-humus in profiles 2 and 3, whereas Al- and Fe-humus were found exclusively in profile 5. The pH (NaF), phosphate retention and acid oxalate extractable Al qualify only profile 5 as an Andept or Andisol.