Soil formation by termites : a study in the Kisii area, Kenya

Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of samples from a number of soils were used to demonstrate that soil materials from volcanic ash and local rock are thoroughly mixed.<p/>The mineralogy, micromorphology and grain-size distribution were studied to estimate the role of termites in mixing soil materials and in forming physical properties. Effects of other processes on mixing and on formation or decay of physical properties were also estimated.<p/>The role of termites in forming horizons free of gravel underlain by stone lines, and in slope processes, was estimated from an analysis of grainsize distribution and mineralogy of soils in a catena. Measurements of slope transport were also made.<p/>The significance of termites for soil conservation and for a sustained use of the land, is discussed