Page 51 - E-BOOK English

Profile features

Under woodland, a surface organic layer can be a moder

with litter and fermentation layers, or mull. Microbial activities cause
the development of a light-brown orchic horizon (or dark brown,

deeper mollic horizon which overlies a cambic horizon with low base
saturation). When cultivated and limed, the incorporation of organic

matter gives mull humus. The cambic horizon is characterized by an
orange-brown colour and a blocky or prismatic structure. The parent

materials of Cambisols are usually freely drained and may or may
not be calcareous.

Environment and landforms

Cambisols occur in areas with a humid climate, mainly on younger landscapes due to

the processes of soil formation have had only a limited time to be effective. Consequently,
many Cambisols occur on sandy outwash and loamy till deposits of Pleistocene age. They also

develop on sandstones, shales, and limestones in hilly and mountainous country. In the tropical
regions, these soils are less extensive.

Use and management

Cambisols are suitable for various crops. These soils have a high potential for agriculture
due to they are inherently fertile derived from their parent materials. With further lime and

fertilizer applications, these soils can produce high crop yields.

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