Geology and soils

Abstract

The subject geology and soils is fundamental for tropical forest management. This chapter is divided into three logical parts: The first describes soil-forming factors and processes. The second provides the exhaustive description of definition, properties of different soil types, and their use for forest purposes. The following soil groups are dealt with: Mature Soils of the Humid and Subhumid Tropics, Representative Soils of the Semiarid and Arid Tropics, Soils Mainly Conditioned by Parent Material and Topography, Temporarily or Permanently Hydromorphic Soils, Soils of the Steppes, and finally Tropical Soils Conditioned by Human Influence. The third part deals with the organization and management of soil surveys; this allows the forest manager to project necessary soil surveys.