Morphology, Characteristics and Classification of Low Activity Clay Soils of Kerala

Highly weathered and leached low activity clay (LAC) soils constitnte approximately thirty per cent of the soils of Kerala. Four representative pedons of the state were studied for evaluating the characteristics of LAC soils, their classification and problems in management. The soils are very deep, well drained, fairly rich in organic matter, acidic, poor in bases and have low cation exchange capacity. The soils, with kandic or agrillic horizon, belong to Ultisol order of Soil Taxonomy. Detailed taxonomic classification and management problems of these soils are discussed.