The soils of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Abstract

Field observations made during a reconnaissance soil survey of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park showed that a variety of soils occur within the broad group of so-called Kalahari sands. For discussion purposes, the soils were classified into five main groups of which the red and yellow sands took precedence over the other soils because of their geographical distribution and pedological significance. The soils are discussed with special reference to their classification, site and parent material, their morphological, chemical and mineralogical properties and drainage characteristics. Attention was also given to the relationship between the soils and landforms, and a brief note on the inherent fertility status of the soils has been included.