L-05 Soil Survey of A Selected Study Area in Somaliland

Soil Survey of a Selected Study Area in
Somaliland
Soil = (Cl, O, R, P,
Project Report No. L-05

Feb 2007
Somalia Water and Land Information Management

Ngecha Road, Lake View. P.O Box 30470-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel +254 020 4000300 - Fax +254 020 4000333,
Email: enquiries@faoswalim.org Website: http//www.faoswalim.org.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product
do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries.
This document should be cited as follows:
Vargas, R. R., Alim, M. 2007. Soil survey of a Selected Study Area in Somaliland. FA0-
SWALIM. Project Report L-05. Nairobi, Kenya.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Acronyms
Acknowledgment
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1
2 STUDY AREA ................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Location and delineation ........................................................................... 2
2.2 Climate .................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Geology/Lithology ................................................................................... 5
2.4 Landform and Soils .................................................................................. 6
2.5 Land cover ............................................................................................. 6
2.6 Land Use................................................................................................ 6
2.7 Population .............................................................................................. 7
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS ............................................................................. 8
3.1 Materials ................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Methods ................................................................................................. 8
3.2.1 Bibliographic research and data collection ............................................ 8
3.2.2 The soil mapping model ..................................................................... 8
3.2.3 Landscape stratification (Geopedological approach) ............................. 11
3.2.4 Soil sampling design ....................................................................... 11
3.2.5 Soil field-survey ............................................................................. 13
3.2.6 Soil data input................................................................................ 13
3.2.7 Soil Laboratory analysis ................................................................... 13
3.2.8 Soil classification ............................................................................ 14
3.2.9 Determination and acquisition of necessary environmental variables ...... 15
3.2.10 Development of a key to separate soil classes based on environmental
variables 26
3.2.11 Characterisation of soil classes (decision tree) .................................... 26
3.2.12 Running the soil prediction model ..................................................... 28
3.2.13 Verification and validation of the soil maps ......................................... 28
4 RESULTS .................................................................................................... 29
4.1 Soil profiles .......................................................................................... 29
4.2 Soil map at 1:100 000 scale ................................................................... 29
4.2.1 Technical description of the soil classes .............................................. 30
4.2.2 General accuracy of the map ............................................................ 43
4.3 Soil map at 1:50 000 scale ..................................................................... 46
4.3.1 Technical description of the Suffix qualifiers used in the classification ..... 47
4.4 Technical assessment of the soil resource in the study area ......................... 50
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... 55
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................ 56
ANNEXES .......................................................................................................... 58
Annex 1: Soil data collection form

Annex 2: Soil analysis laboratory results
Annex 3: Soil profile description
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Table 1: Soil studies ................................................................................................................... 1

Table 2: Regions, districts, and their populations (Somalia UNDP 2005, draft version) .......... 7
Table 2: Materials ....................................................................................................................... 8
Table 4: Geodesic System ........................................................................................................ 15
Table 5: Environmental variables ............................................................................................. 15
Table 6: Landscape and relief type legend ............................................................................... 16
Table 7: Slope classes ............................................................................................................... 16
Table 8: Soil moisture and temperature regimes ...................................................................... 17
Table 9: Area of soil reference classes and key properties....................................................... 29
Table 10: Soil laboratory results of the Vertisols ..................................................................... 33
Table 12: Prefix qualifiers ........................................................................................................ 43
Table 13: Error matrix using Expert Knowledge ..................................................................... 44
Table 14: Error matrix of the validation process ...................................................................... 45
Table 15: Extent of the soil classes .......................................................................................... 46
Table 16: Suffix qualifiers and its technical meaning ............................................................. 47
Table 17: Technical assessment of the soil resource ............................................................... 50
List of Figures
Figure 1: Study area ............................................................................................. 2

Figure 2: Rainfall and potential evapotranspiration .................................................... 4
Figure 3: Relative humidity of the study area ........................................................... 4
Figure 4: Rainfall distribution and climate classification of the study area ..................... 5
Figure 5: Soil-environmental characterisation ......................................................... 26
Figure 6: Decision tree ........................................................................................ 27
List of Pictures
Picture 1: Gully formation due to soil bunding ........................................................ 52

Picture 2: Soil stoniness ...................................................................................... 53
Picture 3: Available manure that is not used in the fields.......................................... 54
List of Maps
Map 1: Soil transects locations ............................................................................. 12

Map 2: Landscape .............................................................................................. 18
Map 3: Relief ..................................................................................................... 20
Map 4: Land Cover ............................................................................................. 22
Map 5: Land Use ................................................................................................ 24
Map 6: Slope ..................................................................................................... 26
Map 7: Soil Moisture Regimes .............................................................................. 27
Map 8: Soil profiles location ................................................................................ 44
Map 9: Soil at Prefix Level ................................................................................... 45
Map 10: Soils at [Prefix and Suffix Level ................................................................ 51
Table of Contents
List of acronyms
AOI Area of Interest

CMSV Continuous Model of Spatial Variation
DEM Digital Elevation Model
DSM Digital Soil Mapping
DMSV Discrete Model of Spatial Variation
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
GP Geopedological Approach
GIS Geographical Information System
ILWIS Integrated Land and Water Information System
LCCS Land Cover Classification System
NSM Newhall Simulation Model
SIHLMA Somalia Integrated Hierarchical Landform Mapping Approach
SoLIM Soil Land Inference Model
SRTM Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
SWALIM Somalia Water and Land Information Management
Acknowledgments
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to acknowledge the considerable support given by the Project Task
Force. Dr. Freddy Nachtergaele is thanked for his overall contribution to the present
work.
The work of Somali soil surveyors Omar Haji Duale and Ali Ismail Ibrahim, as well as the
logistic contribution of Mohamed Jama Gahay, are highly appreciated.
Thanks should be addressed to Dr. Otto Spaargaren from ISRIC for his valuable
assistance in revising the soil classification of the main soil profiles under the WRB 2006
system.
Many thanks go to Mr. Jan Venema for the technical revision of this study report.
Finally we want to express our acknowledgment to all technical and administrative

SWALIM staff, especially to Antony O. Ndubi, as well as to the management for their
continuous support and contribution.
Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION
Soil information is a key element for natural resources management, and specifically land
use planning. In developing countries like Somalia where there is no national spatial data
infrastructure, soil data and information is very scarce. Conventional soil surveys were
and are the most frequently used method of acquiring soil data at different scales, for
various purposes. This is a highly cost- and time-consuming activity, which limits its use
over broad scales.
As mentioned by McKenzie et al [1], technological advances during the last few decades
have created tremendous potential for improving the manner in which soil maps are
produced. Remote sensing and photogrammetric techniques provide spatially explicit
digital data representations of the Earths surface. However, in the case of soils, it is less
effective due to limitations such as showing information only of the soil cover, and not
the depths where soil development takes place. Although these tools can improve soil
inventory techniques, soil surveys are the only way of acquiring and understanding the
types and properties of soil/s present in a specific area.
Soil surveys in Somalia were primarily undertaken between 1961-1988. There have been
no national soil surveying and mapping initiatives at the institutional level. The most
important regional soil reconnaissance surveys were conducted in the Jubba and
Shabeelle region by FAO-Lockwood in 1967, and another in the northwest area of the
country conducted by Sogreah in 1981. Some reconnaissance studies are shown in Table
1.
Table 1: Soil studies

SURVEYOR LOCATION AREA (km2) SCALE
ICA (1961) Lower Jubba Valley 4.500 1:650.000
Selchozpromexport (1965) Lower and Middle Jubba Valley 16.000 1:200.000
FAO/Lockwood (1967) Project Area 208.500 1:60.000
Technital Jubba Valley 50.000 1:200.000
HTS (1977) Project Area 200.000 1:500.000
SOGREAH (1983) [2]* North-west Somalia 33.500 1:100.000
Sir William Halcrow & Northern Somalia 1:200.000
Partners[3]
*The only soil survey covering SWALIMs study area.
The SOGREAH study was part of the northwest region agricultural development
programme. This programme was initiated due to the fact that, after the two major river
valleys of the south, the North-West region is the next most populated part of the
country with Hargeisa having the highest population. Natural resources inventory and
evaluation was carried out between 1979-1983, including a soil survey as one of the
main activities, which was later used for various agricultural development initiatives.
Since the start of the war in 1991, no soil surveys have been undertaken and available
soil data produced by SOGREAH has been lost, including maps showing spatial variability
of soils.
In view of the foregoing, and considering future planning activities in the country, there
is a need to generate baseline data that provides an accurate reflection of the current
status of natural resources.
SWALIM is mandated to produce natural resource baselines for specific areas of interest,
including the north-west. To this end, a soil survey was conducted using a combination of
modern and conventional approaches (to overcome the various constraints within the
1
Introduction
study area) to map spatial variability of soils as a primary input to land suitability and
land degradation assessment components of SWALIMs activities.
The objective of this study was a soil survey which would include soil mapping activities
at a multi-scale level, oriented towards a variety of users.
2 STUDY AREA
2.1 Location and delineation
The study area of the Northwest Somalia is located between the latitudes 9o 10 30.8
and 10o 41 36.54 North and the longitudes 43 0 52.3 and 44 27 54.22 East (Figure
1) thus covering a total area of 12 915 km2. It is bounded in the north by the Gulf of
Aden and Lughaya District, in the east by Berbera District and the eastern parts of
Hargeisa District, in the south by the Ethiopian border, and in the west by the Eastern
part of Borama District.
430'0"E 440'0"E
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Gulf of Aden
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110'0"N 110'0"N
LUGHAYE
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Ethiopia
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100'0"N 100'0"N
BORAMA Agabar
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Dila
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GEBILEY
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Awbarkhadl Somalia
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Tog Wajaale
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HARGEYSA
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Faraweyne
Northwest
Somalia
Kilometers
0 5 10 20 30 40
90'0"N 90'0"N
430'0"E 440'0"E
Figure 1: Study area
2
Study Area
2.2 Climate
The region lies at the extremity of the sub-Saharan semi-arid zone commonly referred to
as the Sahel, which traverses the continent from Senegal to Somalia.
The climate of the study area is hot dry desert in the coastal plain (Lughaya and northern
part of Baki districts) and arid in Borama and surrounding area. Semi-arid conditions
prevail at the higher altitudes of the Al Mountains and south of Gebilley. Mean annual
rainfall ranges from below 200 mm in the coastal area of Lughaye, to 500 - 600mm in
the east of Borama and surroundings, while the rest of the study area has a mean annual
rainfall of 300 - 500mm (see Figure 4).
The study area lies entirely between the two subtropical anticyclone belts. The main
weather pattern is controlled by the passage of the seasonal monsoon winds. Rainfall in
the area is thus bimodal (see Figure 2). The northeast monsoon brings the primary Gu
rains from March to June, followed by a hot dry period called Xagaa in June and July.
Short rains locally known as Deyr also occur between August and October followed by
cool long dry Jilaal period between November-February.
Temperatures in the area are influenced by altitude and the strength and temperatures
of the seasonal winds. Figure 3 shows how temperatures decrease with increasing
altitude. In the higher altitudes of the Al Mountains and Plateau areas temperatures vary
considerably with the seasons, with a mean annual temperature of 20-24C, while the
coastal region has mean annual temperatures of 28-32C.
Relative humidity of the highlands is mostly around 40%, except during rainy periods
when it may go up to 80%. High temperatures in the coastal areas combine with a high
relative humidity of more than 70% to create an exceedingly hot, humid environment.
The major winds in the study area occur between June to July during the Xagaa dry
season, during the southwest monsoon and in Jilaal between December and February.
Hot, calm weather occurs between the monsoons during April and September).
Generally, in the north-west winds are strongest during the southwest monsoon. Average
wind speed varies between 8 - 10 m/s, but during a large part of the year strong winds
of up to 17 m/s occur, causing frequent dust-devils over the coastal plains and
plateaus.
The study area is subject to high potential evapotranspiration (PET), with an annual
average of between 2000 and 3000mm. Annual rainfall is far less than the PET and a
significant water deficit exists throughout the region for most of the year. Rainfall is not
always sufficient for successful crop production (Figure 2).
3
Study Area
Rainfall Potential Evapotranspiration Graph at Borama Rainfall Potential Evapotranspiration Graph at Hargeisa
90 300
Rain PET
120 140 80
Rain PET 250
70
100 120
60 200
Rainfall(mm)
100
PET(mm)
80
Rainfall(mm)
50
PET(mm)
80 150
60 40
60
30 100
40
40 20
20 50
20 10
0 0 0 0
JUN
DEC
OCT
FEB
SEP
JUL
SEP
DEC
NOV
OCT
JAN
MAR
APR
FEB
AUG
MAR
APR
JUN
NOV
JUL
JAN
MAY
AUG
MAY
Rainfall Potential Evapotranspiration Graph at Gebilley
90 140
Rain PET
80
120
70
100
Rainfall(mm)
60
PET(mm)
50 80
40 60
30
40
20
20
10
0 0
JUN
DEC
OCT
FEB
SEP
JUL
NOV
JAN
MAR
APR
AUG
MAY
Figure 2: Rainfall and potential evapotranspiration
Figure 3: Relative humidity of the study area
4
Study Area
Figure 4: Rainfall distribution and climate classification of the study area
2.3 Geology/Lithology
The study area is covered by rocks dating from Pre-Cambrian to Recent, comprising
sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. The tectonic arrangement of rock
outcroppings in the region is complex and severely affected by many different systems of
faults and fractures, mainly oriented parallel to the coast (i.e. WNW-ESE).
The basement complex covers an extensive area in Al Mountain around Borama and Baki
districts. In other parts of the region, it is covered by Jurassic limestone and Miocene bio-
limestone, Pleistocene basalts and Recent alluvial and aeolian deposits. The igneous
rocks consist mostly of basalts and rhyolites, and metamorphic rocks include a wide
range of schists, ortogneiss, quartzite, migmatites, marble, calcosilicate and paragneiss,
intruded by granite, diorite and gabbro.
Pleistocene basalt outcrops and other volcanic rock outcrops occur dispersed along the
northern escarpment and coastal plain.
5
Study Area
2.4 Landform and Soils

From a geomorphological point of view, the study area may be divided into three
landscapes: (1) Piedmonts and the Coastal Plain, (2) Mountainous and Hilland, and (3)
Plateau (both dissected and normal). The middle mountain range and the southern
plateau are locally known as Oogo. There are three main ephemeral river systems that
drain from the plateau and traverse the mountain range in the direction of the Red Sea,
and from the southern side of the same mountain to the southern highlands respectively.
They are called Togga Durdur, Togga Biji and Togga Waheen.
(1) Piedmonts and the Coastal Plain. A small northern section of the study area is taken
up by gently sloping coastal plain (locally called Guban) with elevation ranging from sea
level to 600m, from the Red Sea southwards up to the foot of the mountains (see Map
1). It is characterised by debris and colluvia carried by several togas crossing the plain to
the sea. The beds of the togas are very wide, and subject to flash floods during the rainy
season.
(2) Mountainous and Hilland. In the middle of the study area are the Al Mountains (Golis
Mountains), oriented almost E-W parallel to the coast, with a very rugged topography
rising to more than 1500m asl. Both sides of the mountains, towards the sea and
southern hinterland, are drained by numerous streams of varying sizes.
(3) Plateau. Large, gently undulating and almost flat highlands and plateaus south of the
Al Mountains, varying in altitude between 1500 - 1900m asl and cut by several streams
(called Togga, Tug or Wadi).
According to the Sogreah soil survey report [2], patterns of soil distribution closely follow
the geomorphology of the region. On the high plateau, soils were mapped as
predominantly deep and heavy textured Vertisols. The Mountainous and Hilland area
were mapped as rocky, or covered by shallow Entisols and some Aridisols. The soils in
the Piedmont areas were classed as Entisols and Aridisols. A big portion of the region is
covered by Rocky soils that were mapped as a separate non soil class.
2.5 Land cover

The land cover of the study area consists mostly of natural vegetation. Land cover
classes include Open Shrubs, Open Trees and Open to Closed Herbaceous. Closed Trees
are not common. Other cover types include Urban and Associated Areas
(Settlement/Towns and Airport), Bare Areas (Bare Soils and Sandy areas) and Natural
Waterbodies.
The main woody species in the study area include Acacia nubica, A. tortilis, A. bussei, A.
senegal, Aloe spp., Croton gilletti, Hypoestes hildebrandtii, Acalypha fruticosa, Grewia
tenax,and Balanites aegyptiaca. Common herbaceous species are Cenchrus ciliaris,
Cynodon dactylon, Sporobolus marginatus, Tragus racemosus and Aristida adscensionis.
More details on land cover and vegetation of the area can be found in FAO-SWALIM
Technical Report No. L-03.
2.6 Land Use

The main land use in the study area is extensive grazing (pastoralism). Other land uses
include rainfed agriculture, irrigated orchards along alluvial plains, and wood collection.
Rainfed agriculture is found in what is considered as the sorghum belt of Somaliland,

practiced in combination with pastoralism and wood collection. This class of land use is
the economic basis of households in the study area.
6
Study Area
Cultivation of irrigated orchards is a cash-oriented activity in the area, involving the

growing of fruit trees such as citrus, guava, papaya and mango. Supplementary water for
irrigating the crops is obtained from wells, dams and other water bodies.
Wood collection for charcoal production is very frequent, occurring in all well-treed areas.
Preferred tree species are Acacia bussei, A. nilotica and A. etbaica. Interventions to help
introduce sustainable sources of cooking energy are important and urgent.
Most of the area is used for extensive grazing, or pastoralism. Goats and sheep are
grazed mostly on sloping areas, whereas cattle and camels are grazed in flatter areas.
Sedentary pastoralism around homesteads is a common practice. Hay harvesting from
enclosures supports this land use, as harvested hay can be used in the dry season.
However, hay harvesting may be a source of conflict as enclosures are not generally
welcomed. Hay production requires further research to establish its levels of
sustainability without being a cause of conflict in the study area.
Urban centers offer a good market for farm produce, but due to poor access roads are
inaccessible to most farmers. The urban centers are also points of high demand for
charcoal.
2.7 Population
The study area consists of the districts of Dila, Gebiley, Faraweyne and Allaybaday, and
parts of the districts of Hargeisa, Borama, Baki and Lughaya. The size of the study area
is slightly more than one third of the total area of Awdal and Waqooyi Galbeed Regions.
According to Somalia UNDP 2005 (Table 1), the estimated urban and non-urban
population for Hargeisa by mid-2005 was 560 028, making it the second most populated
town in Somalia. Borama had a population of 215 616 and Gebiley 79 564 inhabitants.
These three centres are the main towns in the study area.
Table 2: Regions, districts, and their populations (Somalia UNDP 2005, draft version)
District Estimated population

( * Regional
Region
Zone capital ) 2005 (Mid-year)
Non-
Total Urban urban
North-
west 1,828,739 819,989 1,008,750
Awdal 305,455 110,942 194,513
Borama * 215,616 82,921 132,695
Baki 25,500 8,577 16,923
Lughaye 36,104 14,010 22,094
Zeylac 28,235 5,434 22,801
Woqooyi
Galbeed 700,345 490,432 209,913
Hargeisa * 560,028 422,515 137,513
Berbera 60,753 42,070 18,683
Gebiley 79,564 25,847 53,717
7
Materials and Methods
3 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Materials
The basic materials used in this work are given in Table2:
Table 2: Materials
TYPE MATERIAL
Literature Project reports
Classification key WRB 2006
Thematic maps
Hardware Soil survey tools
Soil laboratory equipment
Software ArcGIS 9.0
ILWIS 3.3
ArcViews 3.2
SDBmPlus 2.01
NSM
Microsoft Excel 2000
3.2 Methods
3.2.1 Bibliographic research and data collection

A complete bibliographic research of principal sources such as reports, internet, grey
literature, scientific articles, etc. was performed regarding all soil survey activities carried
out in the study area. The SOGREAH study [2] was the primary source of data on soils in
the study area. However, attempts to collect data on soil profiles, soil descriptions and
soil maps, revealed their unavailability. The soil survey report contains general
information about soils, but no map. Some soil profile descriptions were available, but
were without coordinates.
3.2.2 The soil mapping model

According to Heuvelink [4], soil spatial variability can be described by two types of
models: a discrete model of spatial variation (DMSV), and a continuous model of spatial
variation (CMSV). Traditionally, conventional soil surveys follow the discrete model of
spatial variation, which produces a polygon type or entity map.
Conventional soil surveys, including mapping activities, should follow standards for scale
and sampling intensity, According to Avery and Dent [5, 6] if the objective is to produce
a map at scales of 1:50 000 and 1:100 000, the following rules should apply:
At 1:50 000 scale
Medium semi-detailed soil survey, general purpose

Inspection density according to Avery and Dent: 1 per 0.2 km2 (20 ha) to 1 km2 (100 ha)
Area of study: 12.936 km2
Considering the optimum and the area characteristics:
1 sample - 0.2 km2

X - 12 936 km2
X = 64684 samples
Considering the minimum and the area characteristics:
1 sample - 1 km2
8
X - 12 936 km2
X = 12936 samples
At 1:100 000 scale
Low semi-detailed soil survey, resource inventory

Inspection density according to Avery and Dent: 1 km2 (100 ha) to 4 km2 (400 ha)
Area of study: 12.936 km2
Considering the optimum and the area characteristics:
1 sample - 1 km2
X - 12 936 km2
X = 12 936 samples
Considering the minimum and the area characteristics:
1 sample - 4 km2
X - 12 936 km2
X = 3 234 samples
As we can see, a high level of soil sampling is required in order to follow a conventional
survey based on determination of relationships between soils and landscapes.
Constraints in this area of interest included poor accessibility (few roads), the
mountainous landscape, security restrictions due to the current socio-political situation
and the presence of unmapped landmines, hence it was not technically or practically
feasible to perform a conventional soil survey. Instead, alternatives had to be considered
in order to perform the primary objective of soil mapping. Project constraints demanded
the use of rapid automated techniques, combined with relatively time-intensive
techniques such as Soil Inference Systems, limited field observation and sampling.
As mentioned by Scull [7], today there are many new methods that aim to improve soil
mapping activities in areas with low spatial data infrastructure. These methods are
known as DSM (digital soil mapping techniques) [8]. One tool is Predictive Soil Mapping,
which infers soil classes based on low soil samples using an inference system relying on
expert knowledge.
For the purpose of this study, we adopted the SoLIM (Soil-Land Inference Model) concept
[9], which is a predictive soil mapping approach based on a soil-landscape model
concept. This contends that soils are predictable when local environmental conditions and
soil relationships to these environmental conditions are known. This approach includes
use of dedicated software, SoLIM 4.0 [10], which was not used due to the extent of the
study area and the lack of certain important data components.
Theoretical background of the model

The State Factor (soil-forming factors) forms the theoretical basis of Predictive Soil
Mapping, as well as the traditional soil survey. This is based on the equation of soil
forming factors by Jenny [11], who formalised the ideas of Dokuchaev regarding soil
formation:
S = F (Cl, O, R, P, T,..)
Where:
S = the formed soil
Cl= Climate
O = Organisms (fauna, flora, human activity)
R = Relief (geomorphology context)
P = Parent material or lithology
T = Time
9
This equation and theory states that soil profiles found in a given landscape are a
function of climate, organisms, relief, parent material and time. This implies that if the
spatial distribution of soil forming factors is known, the soil character may be inferred.
We consider two important issues here:
- Wherever soil is present, its presence is due to the combination of soil forming
factors. However, specific environmental conditions determine specific soil forming
processes because soil forming factors are permanent or constant in the
environment.
- The predictive model should try to identify specific soil forming factors and
processes acting in the landscape and leading to specific soil formation.
The Inference Model

The model comprises a combination of Expert Systems [12] and Decision Tree Analysis
[13].
An expert system consists of: data (information on spatial environmental variables, e.g.
climate, landform, etc.), a knowledge base (rules and facts relating to soil variation
supplied by an expert, in this case the soil surveyor), and an inference engine (which
combines data and the knowledge base to infer logically valid conclusions) [14].
The overall aim of the Decision Tree Analysis is to design a set of predictive rules (e.g. if
geology type = A, then soil type = B) developed from training data, which can then be
applied to a geographic database to predict the value of a response variable [15].
Our conceptual base consists of the theoretical background of the SoLIM (Soil-Land
Inference Model) for the model itself, and the Jenny equation as the general rule for
determining the distribution of soil classes.
The following equation corresponds to a contextualized version of the Jenny equation

which will guide some of the inference model.
SOIL A (b) = (CL(b)+R(b)+P(b)+O(b)+T(b))
This equation infers that the SOIL A situated in the environment (b) is there due to the
combination of the principal soil forming factors under the specific environment B which
generates specific soil forming processes A-B.
In this regard, the climate factor refers to specific climatic variables acting in that
environment (b).
The relief under which all the process are carried out corresponds specifically to the
environment (b).
The parent material represents the initial material on (b), which after some processes
have acted upon it will become soil.
The organisms present in environment (b) determine many activities acting on its
attributes.
Finally, time or age is a very difficult, non-local factor. However, the initial equation
relates to soil maturity, a factor that can be assessed in the field through horizon
differentiation. In this study the time factor was not considered due to the primary
objective being to infer which kind of soils were present in the study area. The geological
10
time can indirectly represent the soil time forming factor because it shows age of the
different rocks.
Components
Data: the different data layers necessary to model the soil-landscape relationship. This
corresponds to all the soil forming factors and specific spatial components collected in the
field having a direct influence on soil spatial variability.
Expert Knowledge: this component values the knowledge of a soil scientist of the study
area which, based on spatial data layers and fieldwork stage characterised the specific
environment where each class of soil was developed. Based on those models and this
expert knowledge, decision trees were constructed where predictive rules regarding soil
formation were specified.
Inference engine: our inference engine was based on the use of ILWIS 3.1 and ArcGis
9.0. softare packages, together with the decision trees. As established by many authors
[7], most of the Predictive Soil Mapping work was carried out in small areas in great
detail and in far fewer larger areas on a smaller scale.
3.2.3 Landscape stratification (Geopedological approach)

The core of the overall approach was identification and understanding of the soil-
landscape model concept. Landscape stratification was performed by adapting the
Geopedological (GP) approach [16] to Somalian conditions. The GP approach is an
hierarchical system which stratifies terrain from a geomorphological perspective, but with
the objective of determining soil formations. This approach utilises six different
categorical levels; however, only Landscape, Relief, Lithology and Landform levels were
used. The present exercise started from an integrated and modified GP approach. The
primary difference lay in the fact that, instead of aiming at producing a soil map using
aerial photography (as in a conventional soil survey), the aim was a landform map, using
satellite imagery. Spatial and spectral information extracted from an aerial photograph or
a satellite image are quite different, even though they can be complementary. In
addition, visual image interpretation was integrated with Digital Terrain Analysis, giving
rise to integrated landform maps at 1:100 000 and 1:50 000 scales which were verified
in the field.
The present approach has been called the Somalia Integrated Hierarchical Landform
Mapping Approach SIHLMA. For a detailed explanation of the procedure and the results,
please refer to the Landform Mapping of Somalia Report [17] which is part of the land
resources inventory of the SWALIM project carried out in the study area.
3.2.4 Soil sampling design

Considering the aforementioned constraints and the proposed model of the soil mapping
activity, a soil sampling scheme was designed that would consider representative sites
that would reveal the spectrum of soil spatial variability.
Using the produced landscape map, variability of different landscapes and relief types
were analysed as well as their relation to soil formation, thereby assessing spatial
variability and composition of the terrain component.
Referring to the representative landscapes and relief types, the accessibility map,
security measures and presence of landmines, a Transect Sampling Scheme (Map 1) was
designed that focused field soil data collection on representative sites. Transect locations
represent sites where the soil-landscape model concept corresponded with areas of high
soil variability.
11
12
3.2.5 Soil field-survey

A field-based natural resources inventory was carried out by SWALIM between April and
July 2006 in fulfilment of its main objective of land suitability assessment of the Dur-Dur
and Gebiley catchments, which included a specific soil survey aimed at collecting soil
data.
To support and guide important field activities, the SWALIM land team produced a Field
Survey Manual [18].
Conventional soil profile descriptions were carried out along the different relief types
found in each planned soil transect. Not all planned soil transects were visited, either due
to impeded accessibility or presence of landmines.
At each site, a standard soil pit was dug. A soil collection form was designed to collect
site information, soil attributes and pedogenetic indicators (see Annex 1). Physical and
chemical soil properties were described for each soil profile and soil samples were taken
for laboratory analysis in Nairobi, Kenya. A preliminary soil classification was performed
using the WRB 98 soil classification system [19]. Augering was performed in areas where
there was the need to definine boundaries between different soil classes.
Sites with rocky or stony soils were not described in detail, but a preliminary
classification was still made.
3.2.6 Soil data input

Due to logistics between Hargeisa (Somalia) and Nairobi (Kenya) where the SWALIM
office is located, completed soil forms were sent to Nairobi on a weekly basis.
All soil forms were entered into the soil profile database software SDBmPlus 2.1 [20],
which is a specialised program for storing soil profile data. Once all soil profiles were
entered, use was made of the programs capabilities to display the different soil profiles,
the results of which may be seen in Appendix 3.
The software also allowed exportation of all data into a point based soil geographic
database . This database was stored as a Microsoft Access file. It should be remembered
that an area-class map where this kind of database is very useful, was not produced.
3.2.7 Soil Laboratory analysis

A sample of 500g of soil was collected from each horizon for soil analysis. All soil samples
collected in the field were sent to Nairobi on a weekly basis repeat of above. Soil samples
were analysed in the KARI (Kenya Agriculture Research Institute) Soil Laboratory
following a standard soil analysis. Parameters analysed and methods used were:
Soil texture
Particle-size analysis was done using the Bouyoucos hydrometer method, where A 50g
soil sample was placed in a plastic shaking bottle with 50mls calgon dispersion agent. A
blank (without soil) sample was also prepared. These were shaken overnight, transferred
into sedimentation cylinders and topped up to the 1000 ml mark. The mixture was well
stirred using a metal plunger to bring the particles into suspension. A soil hydrometer
was used to take readings after 40 seconds and two hours, respectively. The second
reading gave the clay content and was calculated as follows:
% Clay = (R2-Rb)/50*100
The first Reading gives the Silt + Clay
which is
13
% (Silt + Clay) = R1/50*100
%Silt is therefore this reading minus %Clay
% Sand is 100 % (Silt+Clay)
After determining percentages of sand, silt and clay, a textural classification chart (see
below) was used to classify the soil.
Dry Soil Bulk density

Only the first horizon for all the profiles was analysed. Bulk density is best estimated by a
core-sampling method. However, undisturbed soil samples were unobtainable so dry bulk
density was estimated as follows: Dry the soil in the oven and let it cool. Pour sample
into a plastic cylinder. Let the cylinder drop from a height of 5-30 cm for 50 taps. Read
the volume and weigh to determine the weight of the soil. The weight of the soil divided
by the volume gives the bulk density.
Extractable Phosphorus
The Olsen method was used for this purpose. Dried soil samples were extracted in a1:5
ratio (w/v) with 0.5M sodium bicarbonate solution at pH 8.5. Phosphorus in the extract
was determined spectrophotometrically.
Soil pH and EC
Soil pH and EC were determined in a 1:2:5 (w/v) soil- water suspension, using a pH
meter and conductivity meter respectively.
Total organic carbon

The calorimetric method was used to determine this important property. All organic
carbon in the soil sample was oxidized by acidified dichromate at 150C for 30 minutes to
ensure complete oxidation. Barium chloride was added to the cool digests. After thorough
mixing, digests were allowed to stand overnight. Total C was determined
spectrophotometrically.
Total Nitrogen
The Kjeldahl method was used for this purpose. Soil samples were digested with
concentrated sulphuric acid containing potassium sulphate, selenium and copper sulphate
hydrated at approximately 350C. Total N was determined calorimetrically on a flow
analyser.
Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na

Soil samples were leached with 1N ammonium acetate buffered at pH 7. Leachate was
analysed for exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na. Sample were further leached with 1N KCl,
and leachate used for determination of the CEC. Elements such as Na and K were
determined with a flame photometer and Ca and Mg with AAS (atomic absorption
spectrophotometer). CEC was determined calorimetrically on a flow analszer.
Once soil laboratory results were available, they were integrated into the general
database in the SDBmPlus 2.1 software which was used to construct the final soil profile
database.
The samples were also sent to ICRAF where they were scanned for spectral reflectance.
The results of this analysis can later be used for land degradation assessment.
3.2.8 Soil classification

All soil profiles were preliminarily classified in the field using the WRB 1998 [19]. Once
soil laboratory results were available, soil profiles were classified using the new WRB soil
14
classification system v.2006 [21]. Soils were classified at two levels: at reference group,
and prefix and suffix levels. Once this was done, some key soil profiles were sent for
revision in terms of classification to ISRIC (Dr. Otto Spaargaren).
3.2.9 Determination and acquisition of necessary environmental variables

The SWALIM land team have generated different thematic layers, mainly as landscape,
relief, land cover and land use maps. All are considered important soil forming factors
which later were used in the soil modelling process. Some other layers like Soil Moisture
Regime and Slope maps were generated using different approaches. All the maps used
the same geodesic system, that can be found in Table 4.
Table 4: Geodesic System
GEODESIC PARAMETERS
SYSTEM
Projection Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM)
Datum WGS 1984
Ellipsoid WGS 1984
Zone 38
The different environmental variables that were generated can be found in Table 5:
Table 5: Environmental variables
VARIABLE DATA TYPE LEVEL OF DETAIL IN THE

SOILS PREDICTION
Landscape Discrete General at Reference group (WRB)
Soil Moisture Regime Continuous General at Reference group (WRB)
Lithology Discrete General at Reference group (WRB)
Land use Discrete At prefix level (WRB)
Land cover Discrete At prefix level (WRB)
Relief Discrete At suffix level (WRB)
Slope Continuous At suffix level (WRB)
Landscape and relief maps

Maps mentioned in para 2.3.3 were generated using the GP approach. Project Report L-
02 should be consulted for a detailed explanation on procedures and results. Maps 2 and
3 show landscape and relief types in the study area, and Table 6 contains a detailed
legend.
Land cover map

This map was generated by the SWALIM team using the LCCS classification system for
legend production, and satellite image interpretation combined with fieldwork
verification. For a detailed explanation of the land cover refer to Project Report L-03 and
Map 4
Land use map

This map was generated by the SWALIM team using the land cover map as the
cartographic basis, and a land use field survey using semi-structured interviews. For a
detailed explanation of the land cover refer to Project Report L-04 and Map 5.
15
Table 6: Landscape and relief type legend
Landscape Relief Landform

Code Description Code Description Code Description
HiD Dissected Hilland A02 Town, Industrial district F02 Rill
Hil Hilland F03 Gully
C03 Sandy Coast F05 River levee
MoB Block Mountain F06 Floodplain
MoF Fault Mountain E05 Playa F07 Alluvial Terrace
MoR Residual Mountain F09 Depression
Mou Mountain F04 Braided river plain F14 Upper pediment
MoV Volcanic Mountain F05 Meandering river plain F15 Middle pediment
F08 Badland (complex gully) F16 Lower pediment
Pie Piedmont F09 Gully/Rill erosion surface
F10 Sheet erosion surface X01 Summit of the slope
PlA Alluvial Plain F12 Alluvial plain X02 Shoulder of the slope
PlC Coastal Plain F13 Depression X03 Backslope
PlD Dissected Plain F14 Pediment X04 Footslope
Pln Plain F15 Dissected pediment X05 Toe-slope
F16 Delta X06 Upper Slope
Pta Plateau F17 Flat floor valley X07 Lower slope
PtD Dissected Plateau F18 River plain X08 Slope complex
F25 River incision X09 Crest
Vay Valley
G08 Talus slope
S08 Escarpment
S15 Depression (structural)
S16 Dissected ridge
S24 Inselberg
S25 Cuesta
S26 Mesa
S27 Hog back
S29 Hill
S30 Hill complex
S31 Ridge
S32 Planation surface
S33 Denudational slope
S34 Slope
S35 Denudational surface
Slope map
The slope map was produced using the corrected SRTM Digital Elevation Model. The
surface spatial analyst extension of Arc GIS 9.0 was used to derive slope classes
according to variability in the area. The slope classes used can be found in Table 7. Map
6 shows slope distribution in the study area.
Table 7: Slope classes
SLOPE CLASS RANGE %

1 0-3
2 3-8
3 8-15
4 15-25
5 25-40
6 40-65
7 65-100
Soil moisture regime map

Soil moisture and temperature regimes in the area were calculated using climatic data
that was entered into the NSM (Newhall Simulation Model) software package [22]. Once
the soil moisture regime for each climatic station was obtained, the values were
interpolated using ILWIS 3.3. software and incorporating the DEM as a correlation factor.
This was not performed for the soil temperature regime due to low variability. The
16
different soil moisture regimes and temperature regimes can be found in Table 8 and the
soil moisture regime for the area can be seen in Map 7.
Table 8: Soil moisture and temperature regimes
STATION MOISTURE TEMPERATURE DRY-D/M- TENTATIVE SUB-

REGIME REGIME MOIST DIVISION
Hargeisa Aridic Isohyperthermic 290-70-0 Typic Aridic
Gebiley Aridic Isohyperthermic 258-102-0 Typic Aridic
Borama Aridic Isohyperthermic 250-110-0 Weak Aridic
Berbera Aridic Isohyperthermic 360-0-0 Extreme Aridic
Burao Aridic Isohyperthermic 345-15-0 Typic Aridic
Shiekh Aridic Isothermic 213-147-0 Weak Aridic
Soil Temperature Regimes
Isothermic
The mean annual soil temperature is 15C or higher but lower than 22C.
Isohyperthermic
The mean annual soil temperature is 22C or higher, and the difference between mean
summer and mean winter soil temperature is less than 5C at a depth of 50 cm.
Soil Moisture Regimes
Aridic
The soil moisture control section is, in normal years:
Dry in all parts for more than half of the cumulative days per year when the soil
temperature at a depth of 50 cm from the soil surface is above 5C; and
Moist in some or all parts for less than 90 consecutive days when the soil
temperature at a depth of 50 cm is above 8C.
Extreme Aridic
The soil moisture control section is always completely dry. Cultivation is not possible
without irrigation.
Typic Aridic
The soil moisture control section is moist in some or all parts at same time in the year for
45 consecutive days or less when the soil temperature at 50 cm depth is more than 8C.
Cultivation is not possible without irrigation.
Weak Aridic
The soil moisture control section is moist in some or all parts at same time in the year for
45 consecutive days or more when the soil temperature at 50 cm depth is more than
8C. Cultivation is possible without irrigation for a short period.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
3.2.10 Development of a key to separate soil classes based on environmental

variables
Taking into consideration the geographic context of the study area, there is a theoretical
soil genesis that has determined the soil classes that can occur there. Overall soil
patterns can be understood using the soil-landscape model. However, it was important to
develop a key that is able to establish or predict soil type occurrences using the different
soil environmental attributes generated previously.
The development of this key is the core behind this model, as it characterises the
environment where each individual soil class might be formed.
An example of the key can be found below in Figure 5.
VERTISOLS
Landscape:plateau/dis.plat
Relief: denudational surf
Slope:0-8%
m.a.s.l CALCISOLS LEPTOSOLS
Litho: Q Ky Landscape:dis.plat/piedmo Landscape:mountain/hilland
Luse: Agriculture Relief: denude.surf/pedime Relief: ridge,hills,slopes
Moisture: Weak aridic REGOSOLS
Slope:0-8% Landscape:piedmont Slope:25-100%
Litho: Jc Relief: hills/denu slopes Litho: Ma PB
Luse: Agriculture Slope:3-12% Luse: Marginal grazing
Moisture: Weak Litho: Q Ma Moisture: typic aridic/aridic
aridic/aridic Luse: Marginal
Moisture: Typic aridic
ARENOSOLS
Landscape:coastal plain
Relief: sandy coast
Slope:0-5%
Litho: Q
Luse: marginal
FLUVISOLS Moisture: extreme aridic
Landscape:valley
Relief: braided river
plain,delta
Slope:0-3%
Litho: Q
Luse: Irr. Agric./water
harvesting
Moisture: aridic/typic
m
Figure 5: Soil-environmental characterisation
This key was later used to create different decision trees to infer or predict the
occurrence of each soil class in a specific geographic position where the environmental
characteristics are met.
3.2.11 Characterisation of soil classes (decision tree)

The aim of the decision trees was to design a set of predictive rules, using available data
layers to guide the process of prediction or inference of the different soil classes in the
study area according to its geographic patterns. These predictive rules were obtained
using the key developed previously, where the environmental conditions where each soil
class should be found were established. The general decision tree can be observed in
Figure 6. and can be read it conditionally from column one and generating the last
column where the soil class is expected under those specific environmental variables.
26
ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES
Landscape Relief Land cover Land use Lithology Slope Infered SOIL CLAS
Valley Flat floor valley 2HL8 HR

Plateau Pediment 2HL8/HR147-C RS Q
Dissected plateau Planation surface HM47-C/2HL TRW Ky < 5% VERTISOL
Denudational surface HR47-C/2HL8 RS
Mountain block Hill complex 2TP8

Mountain Ridge 6SV TS Ma
Hilland Denudational slope 2SP S Jc > 30% LEPTOSOL
Dissected ridge 2SR
Piedmont Pediment 2SP6 TS Ky

Gully/rill erosion HR47-C/2HL8 RS Ma < 8% CALCISOL
surfaces 2HL8/HR247-C TSW Ms
Piedmont Pediment 2TP8/TR3H57 TI Jc < 15% CAMBISOL

Slopes
Braided river plain

Meandering river plain 6S/2SR6
Valley River Plain 2TR8 TI-RW Q < 2% FLUVISOL
Flat floor valley 2TP8/TR3H57
Floodplain
Coastal plain Sandy coast 2HL8 S Qsd < 2% ARENOSOL
Plain Playa 6SV TSW Q < 3% SOLONCHACK
Piedmont Planation surface 2SR TSW Q

Dissected plateu Mesa 2SP S Ea 15-30% REGOSOL
Denudational slope PB
Figure 6: Decision tree
27
3.2.12 Running the soil prediction model

The prediction model was run using ILWIS 3.3 software. All decision trees created in the
previous step were written using Map Calculation formulas into a spatial analysis process.
The model was run twice, according to the two different map scales (1:100.000 and
1:50.000) produced.
An example of the written formulas in the Map Calculation format can be found next:
At 1:100.000
Soil2=iff((lands="Pta")and(relief="S32")and(lc="2SP7/HM147-C") and(luse="TRW")and(Litho=Ky),
"calcic vertisol", soil1)
At 1:50.000
Soil2=iff((lands="Vay")and(relief="F14")and(lc="2HL/HR147-C") and(luse="HR")and(Litho=Q),and
(Slope=1)and(Moisture=3),b, soil1)
b=Calcic Grumic Vertisol (Hyposodic, Chromic)
After running all formulas for both map scales, a raster map was produced and exported
into a standard format compatible with the Geodataset developed by SWALIM for storing
the different data layers. This map was subjected to verification and validation through
quality assessment and improvement.
3.2.13 Verification and validation of the soil maps

When producing thematic maps, it is important to indicate accuracy levels for the benefit
of users. Verification and validation procedures were applied to the two soil maps
produced (at 1:100.00 and 1:50.000), using two different approaches that share the
same principle.
Firstly, a verification process based mainly on the expert knowledge [10] of a soil
scientist familiar with the study area, was conducted. This process involved two steps: a)
a reviewed of overall soil patterns of the inferred soil map to determine any mismatches
according to the scientists own soil-landscape model (which was the main mapping
concept). b) After reviewing the overall pattern, a soil scientist evaluated specific
knowledge on soil classes, especially in transitional areas where he has field knowledge.
This step was done generating random points distributed throughout the study area,
through the use of Random Point Generator, an ArcView extension developed by Jenness
[23]. The soil scientist then applied his expert knowledge to each random point and
compared the inferred soil class with his knowledge of that specific point according to
environmental variables forming that specific soil class. An error matrix was produced
showing mismatches.
Secondly, a validation process based on field soil profiles collected during the field survey
was performed. This involved a similar process of comparison, differing in comparison of
observed soil classes in the field and those that were inferred. Similarly, an error matrix
was produced showing mismatches between soil classes. A general accuracy for the map
was produced using data produced by the error matrix.
Once the verification and validation process was performed, we corrected the main
anomalies or mismatches of the prediction system, mainly related to the decision tree,
so, we have adjusted the decision tree for some specific cases.
28
Results
4 RESULTS
4.1 Soil profiles

Eighty-two soil profiles were described in the course of this soil survey. Fifty out of the 82
profiles were completely described, including both site and profile descriptions, and soil
samples being sent for chemical and physical analyses. The remaining 32 profiles
consisted only of site descriptions due to their rocky and stony characteristics that did
not allow digging of profiles and subsequent description. Soil classification was however
possible.
All profiles and site descriptions were classified using WRB 2006 and stored in a soils
database. Complete soil descriptions can be found in Appendix 3. Map 8 shows the
distribution of the 82 profiles in the study area.
4.2 Soil map at 1:100 000 scale

A 1:100 000 soil map (Map 9) of the whole study area was produced using the Reference
Soil Groups level and Prefix qualifier level of the WRB 2006 classification system. Soils
encountered were mainly Vertisols, Leptosols, Regosols, Calcisols, Fluvisols, Arenosols,
Cambisols and Solonchaks. Soils extent and distribution as shown in Map 9 is as follows
(Table 9):
Table 9: Area of soil reference classes and key properties
Class (Reference Group) Km2 %

Key properties
Vertisols Soils influenced by water;
Calcic Grumic Vertisol 1252 22.9 alternating wet-dry conditions, rich
Calcic Mazic Vertisol 97 in swelling clays.
Calcic Vertisol 1440
Haplic Vertisol 170
Fluvisols Soils influenced by water;
Calcic Endosalic Fluvisol 117 15.1 floodplains, valleys, marshes
Calcic Fluvisol 47
Haplic Fluvisol 771
Haplic Fluvisol (Skeletic) 1020
Calcisols Soils with accumulation of calcium
Endosalic Calcisol 49 9.1 carbonate.
Haplic Calcisol 558
Hypercalcic Calcisol 46
Luvic Calcisol 120
Petric Calcisol 27
Vertic Calcisol 368
Vertic Petric Calcisol 11
Cambisols Moderately developed soils.
Fluvic Cambisol 432 3.3
Arenosols Sandy soils located in coastal
Haplic Arenosol 89 0.7 plains.
Leptosols Shallow or extremely gravelly
Haplic Leptosol 216 38.6 soils.
Haplic Leptosol (Skeletic) 304
Haplic Leptosol (Skeletic)/Haplic Regosol 200
Hyperskeletic Leptosol 1093
Hyperskeletic Lithic Leptosol 1392
Lithic Leptosol 1097
Hyperskeletic Lithic Leptosol/Haplic Regosol 230
Hyperskeletic Lithic Leptosol/Haplic Regosol 462
(Skeletic)
Solonchaks Soils with salt enrichment upon
Haplic Solonchak 25 0.2 evaporation.
Regosols Soils with no significant profile
Haplic Regosol 967 7.5 development.
Haplic Regosol (Skeletic) 287 2.2
Haplic Regosol/Haplic Calcisol
Technosols 49 0.4 Urban soils in the main towns:
Hargeisa, Gebiley and Borama.
Total 12934 100
29
Results
The dominant soils in the study area are Leptosols and Regosols. Difficulties were
encountered in separating them due to limited field data in this inaccessible area, as well
as them sharing some common characteristics.
The second-most dominant soils are the Vertisols, found mainly in agropastoral areas of
the area of interest. The Fluvisols are also present, in a considerable extension located
mainly in the fluvial system of the area of interest. A considerable amount of Calcisols
and Cambisols are also found, which are characteristic soils of the environment area?.
Arenosols are respresented in a very small area in the coastal region of the area of
interest and Solonchaks which are found in the playas in the southern part of the area of
interest. The Technosols, corresponding to the main urban areas, were not studied in
detail, so were kept at the reference group level in WRB 2006.
4.2.1 Technical description of the soil classes

Vertisols (Profiles 101, 109, 122, 125, 303, 305, 307, 309, 306, 308, 323, 329, 117, 121, 301,
120, 123, 302, 325, 316, 328, 102, 304, 321, 326)
Vertisols occur in the Plateau and dissected plateau between Hargeisa, Gebiley and
Borama, south of the Al Mountains. The plateau is mostly flat apart from areas of uneven
relief, slopes towards streams and rolling surfaces. From a climatic point of view this area
is considered as semi-arid due to its higher annual rainfall of 500 mm in comparison to
the rest of the study area; this situation positively influences soil formation processes.
These soils are located in the unique agro-pastoral system of the study area commonly
called the sorghum belt. Many water-harvesting techniques hva ebeen and are applied
in this area, which in some cases were poorly designed and are causing gully and rill soil
erosion.
Vertisols are churning, deep heavy clay soils with a high proportion of swelling clays.
These soils form deep, wide cracks from the surface downward to more than 50 cm
below the surface when they dry out, which happens in most years. These cracks are not
always well represented on the surface due to them filling with sand.
Vertisols are fine-textured soils dominated by expanding montmorillonite clay minerals.

The minerals normally expand and contract on wetting and drying, respectively. In the
dry condition the soils develop a shallow grumic or granular mulch structure and form
wide cracks on the surface. The cracks extend vertically separating blocky and prismatic
structures. Some of the mulch falls or is washed into the cracks during rains so that this
causes a mix up effect in the whole profile in the alternating wetting and drying when
expansion pressure happens in the lower horizon. The effect of the pressure develops
slip-faces (slickensides) and wedge shaped structure in the lower horizons and often to
gilgai micro-relief at the surface. The soil becomes plastic and sticky when wet and the
cracks close. The soils become very hard when dry.
The Vertisols in the study area generally contain more than 35% clay increasing with
depth, and they fall exclusively into the clay classes (see Table 10). Parent materials are
mostly sediments that contain a high proportion of swelling clays, or products of rock
weathering that have the characteristics of swelling clays. The soil structure of these
vertisols is largely influenced by prevailing soil moisture content, which is demonstrated
in dry conditions where the soils are often very hard except for the top 10 - 20 cm where
there is natural, friable self-mulching layer.
30
Results
PROFILE LAB_CODE HORIZON DEPTH SAND SILT CLAY TEXTUR Bulk_density C_% N_% P_ppm PH(H2O) EC CECm_meq/100g Ca++ Mg++ K+ Na+ PSB_% CaCO3_
% % % E (g/cm) mS/cm %
101 1645 A1 0-35 28.0 14.0 58.0 C 1.26 0.60 0.03 8.90 8.20 0.22 14.80 24.6 1.6 1.4 2 100.0 28.00
101 1646 A2 35-65 24.0 16.0 60.0 C 0.50 0.03 35.50 8.40 0.20 11.80 18.8 0.3 1.1 1 100.0 30.00
101 1647 Bt 65-130 24.0 14.0 62.0 C 0.30 0.03 11.50 8.70 0.25 0.30 17.3 0.3 0.8 2 100.0 31.00
102 1648 A1 0-20 38.0 16.0 46.0 C 1.46 0.70 0.05 2.60 8.30 0.23 16.20 22.5 2.2 1.9 2 100.0 30.00
102 1649 A2 20-30 24.0 20.0 56.0 C 0.50 0.04 8.50 8.10 0.98 17.80 25.8 2.6 1.2 2 100.0 31.00
102 1650 B1 30-50 24.0 20.0 56.0 C 0.70 0.03 14.10 8.20 1.30 17.60 24.1 4.4 1.2 3 100.0 30.00
102 1651 B2 50-65 20.0 22.0 58.0 C 0.40 0.03 12.80 8.20 1.50 17.60 15 3.1 0.7 3 100.0 24.00
102 1652 C 65-130 22.0 20.0 58.0 C 0.40 0.03 10.80 8.20 2.20 16.60 19.4 4.4 0.52 3 100.0 28.00
109 1858 A1 0-10 52.0 4.0 44.0 SC 1.51 1.08 0.09 11.00 8.15 0.14 39.22 36.22 3.68 0.91 3.97 100.0 25.65
109 1859 A2 10-45 24.0 20.0 56.0 C 0.44 0.03 11.80 8.04 0.24 18.16 86.29 4.57 0.57 1.60 100.0 34.15
109 1860 Bk 45-100 18.0 22.0 60.0 C 0.62 0.06 10.90 8.13 2.07 26.22 20.31 7.95 0.60 1.03 100.0 28.15
117 1875 Ap 0-15 32.0 20.0 48.0 C 1.44 1.20 0.13 10.00 8.13 0.58 16.88 25.25 3.10 1.57 1.50 100.0 20.65
117 1876 AB 15-40 28.0 16.0 56.0 C 0.98 0.11 6.30 8.06 0.58 21.11 38.99 4.72 1.15 1.13 100.0 26.65
117 1877 Bt1 40-75 26.0 14.0 60.0 C 0.91 0.09 12.50 8.20 2.98 21.98 20.19 6.41 1.00 1.40 100.0 30.65
117 1878 Bt2 75-96 20.0 26.0 64.0 C 0.66 0.05 9.20 8.29 0.30 22.56 22.56 9.23 0.53 2.43 100.0 31.65
117 1879 C 96-135 20.0 14.0 66.0 C 0.44 0.04 7.90 8.51 1.80 22.12 17.08 8.22 0.78 4.70 100.0 35.65
120 1889 A1 0-10 30.0 22.0 48.0 C 1.42 1.56 0.18 30.40 8.16 0.33 9.86 13.43 2.40 1.08 1.05 100.0 23.50
120 1890 A2 10-40 30.0 18.0 52.0 C 1.06 0.11 9.30 8.22 0.40 21.24 24.80 4.72 1.38 1.65 100.0 25.00
120 1891 Bt1 40-75 28.0 14.0 58.0 C 0.87 0.08 14.70 8.45 2.65 18.80 19.08 5.99 1.06 3.00 100.0 26.00
120 1892 Bt2 >75 72.0 16.0 12.0 LS 0.87 0.04 9.90 8.37 0.20 11.00 20.68 2.07 0.48 0.50 100.0 22.00
121 1893 A1 0-20 30.0 24.0 46.0 C 1.54 1.56 0.19 22.60 8.21 0.31 11.00 14.50 2.92 1.72 1.50 100.0 27.00
121 1894 A2 20-45 28.0 14.0 58.0 C 0.59 0.06 12.60 8.46 0.32 26.60 25.64 4.52 1.06 1.75 100.0 20.00
121 1895 Bt 45-80 28.0 14.0 58.0 C 0.88 0.09 22.30 8.18 1.23 19.80 22.86 4.52 1.46 1.45 100.0 25.00
121 1896 Ck 80-140 20.0 14.0 66.0 C 0.51 0.05 13.90 8.47 1.37 19.06 11.29 3.18 0.26 1.85 100 30.00
301 1901 A1 0-30 30.0 22.0 48.0 C 1.38 0.77 0.10 10.90 8.25 1.04 19.80 16.88 4.54 0.10 1.65 100.0 20.50
301 1902 A2 30-70 28.0 22.0 50.0 C 0.54 0.10 11.90 8.32 0.45 29.18 8.08 3.57 0.80 1.25 100.0 17.50
301 1903 Btk 70-160 32.0 22.0 46.0 C 0.53 0.04 7.50 8.28 0.21 24.20 26.80 1.12 1.06 1.10 100.0 18.00
301 1904 C 160-170 12.0 28.0 60.0 C 0.41 0.06 8.70 8.80 0.39 14.53 21.26 7.70 0.86 3.75 100.0 23.50
123 2086 A1 0-25 26.0 38.0 36.0 CL 1.48 0.74 0.08 8.60 8.04 0.21 13.68 26.88 2.15 0.30 0.45 100.0 16.35
123 2087 A2 25-45 24.0 10.0 66.0 C 0.81 0.09 6.80 8.07 0.53 31.28 37.20 8.21 0.56 1.10 100.0 23.35
123 2088 Bt 45-70 22.0 8.0 70.0 C 0.63 0.08 4.70 8.28 1.30 21.08 17.06 5.89 0.28 1.50 100.0 30.85
123 2089 C 70->80 14.0 12.0 74.0 C 0.46 0.06 16.10 8.42 1.95 19.28 12.44 7.82 0.38 2.55 100.0 31.85
302 2104 Ap 0-15 48.0 10.0 42.0 SC 1.39 1.31 0.15 19.30 8.01 0.70 19.08 31.85 1.93 1.24 1.50 100.0 14.85
302 2105 A2 15-45 40.0 10.0 50.0 C 0.90 0.13 10.30 7.86 1.20 18.88 25.89 3.36 0.92 0.80 100.0 19.85
302 2106 Btk 45-65 42.0 4.0 54.0 C 0.67 0.11 4.60 8.07 0.65 22.08 37.50 5.54 0.58 0.95 100.0 17.85
302 2107 Ck 65->130 36.0 8.0 56.0 C 0.35 0.04 12.70 8.38 0.65 16.08 23.43 4.35 0.32 1.95 100.0 25.85
303 2108 Ap 0-20 42.0 4.0 54.0 C 1.39 0.96 0.09 10.30 8.14 0.27 18.12 28.40 3.68 1.36 1.45 100.0 23.35
303 2109 A2 20-39 28.0 10.0 62.0 C 0.69 0.07 10.90 8.29 0.35 24.28 31.54 2.52 1.24 1.60 100.0 28.85
303 2110 Bt1 39-65 26.0 10.0 64.0 C 0.54 0.06 11.80 8.57 0.45 19.28 17.86 7.17 0.80 2.45 100.0 29.35
303 2111 Bt2 65-115 26.0 8.0 66.0 C 0.51 0.05 8.00 8.70 0.80 15.48 16.03 8.08 0.40 3.30 100.0 30.85
303 2112 Ck >115 18.0 10.0 72.0 C 0.30 0.04 7.70 8.34 2.80 20.48 8.83 3.24 0.14 2.10 100 32.85
304 2113 A1 0-15 32.0 8.0 60.0 C 1.33 0.92 0.13 8.90 8.20 0.50 21.08 38.11 4.05 1.40 1.70 100.0 24.85
31
Results
304 2114 A2 15-40 26.0 12.0 62.0 C 0.77 0.11 8.30 8.09 1.65 21.68 26.98 6.54 0.90 1.95 100.0 28.35
304 2115 Bt 40-100 26.0 8.0 66.0 C 0.55 0.06 5.90 8.42 2.15 25.08 22.41 9.93 0.32 1.95 100.0 30.85
304 2116 C 100-130 20.0 8.0 72.0 C 0.40 0.05 4.60 8.46 2.70 27.28 18.53 7.87 0.22 2.15 100.0 33.35
305 2117 A1 0-10 32.0 12.0 56.0 C 1.45 0.95 0.11 4.50 8.19 0.35 25.07 37.22 3.27 1.30 1.30 100.0 24.85
305 2118 A2 10-35 26.0 14.0 60.0 C 0.92 0.10 2.10 8.20 0.35 25.48 30.23 4.43 0.98 1.15 100.0 25.85
305 2119 B1 35-85 28.0 10.0 62.0 C 0.61 0.07 3.50 8.70 0.40 22.28 27.17 9.49 0.44 2.20 100.0 27.85
305 2120 B2 85-140 24.0 10.0 66.0 C 0.44 0.05 8.20 8.78 0.90 14.08 13.63 10.93 0.16 1.45 100.0 31.85
306 2121 A 0-23 42.0 6.0 52.0 C 1.35 0.56 0.08 8.30 8.19 0.40 21.08 33.60 2.99 1.68 1.80 100.0 16.35
306 2122 AB 23-40 46.0 4.0 50.0 C 0.66 0.08 11.90 8.01 1.15 22.48 25.92 8.49 0.80 0.80 100.0 17.50
306 2123 Btk 40-85 46.0 6.0 48.0 C 0.50 0.06 5.20 8.15 1.00 23.88 21.95 1.24 0.56 0.70 100.0 19.00
306 2124 Ck >85 38.0 10.0 52.0 C 0.40 0.04 5.10 8.32 0.75 23.48 16.97 5.58 0.68 1.95 100.0 21.00
307 2125 A1 0-15 26.0 10.0 64.0 C 1.35 0.72 0.09 7.00 8.23 0.29 25.08 37.82 5.11 1.68 2.20 100.0 25.00
307 2126 A2 15-30 30.0 10.0 60.0 C 0.68 0.08 9.10 8.49 0.40 26.48 34.01 6.18 1.76 2.65 100.0 27.50
307 2127 B2k 30-110 20.0 12.0 68.0 C 0.40 0.06 4.70 8.63 1.55 20.08 18.12 5.45 0.48 3.00 100.0 30.50
307 2128 Ck 110-160 64.0 4.0 32.0 SCL 0.22 0.04 2.90 8.34 1.60 7.28 12.34 2.12 0.20 0.70 100.0 18.00
308 2129 A1 0-10 42.0 10.0 48.0 C 1.53 1.00 0.10 9.70 8.20 0.45 14.08 22.90 2.28 1.02 1.20 100.0 19.50
308 2130 A2 10-25 34.0 12.0 54.0 C 0.79 0.09 5.70 8.11 0.90 24.08 25.23 3.55 0.90 1.20 100.0 23.50
308 2131 Bk 25-85 34.0 8.0 58.0 C 0.41 0.05 1.50 8.56 1.80 21.08 22.98 9.54 0.52 2.60 100.0 25.50
308 2132 Ck 85-130 26.0 12.0 62.0 C 0.33 0.04 2.80 8.51 2.40 20.08 23.71 8.38 0.40 2.70 100.0 30.00
309 2133 A1 0-15 34.0 16.0 50.0 C 1.55 0.71 0.06 8.30 8.33 0.24 19.64 26.74 2.51 1.20 1.40 100.0 26.50
309 2134 A2 15-20 30.0 14.0 56.0 C 0.58 0.07 8.30 8.16 0.65 24.40 16.36 2.66 1.40 1.80 100 25.50
309 2135 B 20-70 28.0 14.0 58.0 C 0.39 0.05 5.10 8.28 1.30 16.80 15.23 3.43 1.08 1.25 100.0 29.00
309 2136 C 70-120 24.0 10.0 66.0 C 0.27 0.04 4.70 8.12 1.65 20.00 16.75 4.47 0.32 2.65 100.0 29.50
316 2140 A 0-20 34.0 16.0 50.0 C 1.48 0.47 0.07 10.00 8.20 0.35 25.40 16.49 4.22 0.84 1.35 100 22.50
316 2141 Bt 20-85 32.0 12.0 56.0 C 0.30 0.05 9.70 8.47 0.35 16.80 16.53 4.76 0.64 2.35 100.0 22.50
316 2142 C 85-120 22.0 16.0 62.0 C 0.22 0.04 7.70 8.38 1.00 28.60 19.32 4.99 1.96 3.45 100.0 26.50
321 2146 Ap 0-15 38.0 4.0 58.0 C 1.36 0.65 0.09 11.50 8.03 0.70 20.40 9.79 2.98 0.76 1.20 100 26.00
321 2147 A2 15-40 20.0 22.0 58.0 C 0.55 0.12 10.50 7.85 2.50 21.40 10.53 3.53 0.60 1.65 100 24.00
321 2148 Bt1k1 40-80 24.0 12.0 64.0 C 0.38 0.11 14.70 7.98 2.35 22.40 10.71 3.88 0.70 2.15 100 26.50
321 2149 Bt2k2 80-135 22.0 16.0 62.0 C 0.27 0.08 18.80 8.00 2.20 23.60 19.83 7.59 0.78 2.25 100.0 29.00
321 2150 Ck 135-155 18.0 16.0 66.0 C 0.23 0.07 15.40 8.09 2.15 27.20 12.27 5.26 1.16 2.65 100 32.50
323 2151 A1 0-10 6.0 32.0 62.0 C 1.41 0.52 0.07 18.00 8.06 0.55 25.40 5.02 1.21 0.28 0.20 100 24.00
323 2152 A2 10-25 6.0 32.0 62.0 C 0.46 0.08 7.10 7.98 1.20 32.00 15.71 4.80 0.80 1.80 100 23.00
323 2153 B1 25-50 10.0 38.0 52.0 C 0.51 0.11 7.30 7.81 3.50 20.60 10.97 3.20 0.42 1.35 100 22.50
323 2154 B2 50-110 8.0 34.0 58.0 C 0.41 0.10 5.60 7.84 4.00 21.80 10.89 5.92 0.68 2.35 100 25.00
323 2155 C >140 12.0 26.0 62.0 C 0.29 0.09 9.30 7.90 3.50 29.40 6.09 9.20 1.40 1.30 100 25.50
325 2162 Ap 0-20 32.0 12.0 56.0 C 1.34 1.28 0.11 6.10 7.97 0.35 27.60 31.27 2.73 1.30 1.55 100.0 19.50
325 2163 Btk 20-75 30.0 12.0 58.0 C 0.88 0.07 10.00 7.84 0.55 27.00 36.86 4.11 1.10 1.55 100.0 21.00
325 2164 Ck 75-110 24.0 12.0 64.0 C 0.64 0.05 4.60 8.13 0.95 21.60 12.96 4.61 0.50 2.30 100 27.50
326 2165 Ap 0-15 34.0 12.0 54.0 C 1.43 1.09 0.06 7.30 7.92 0.35 26.40 22.73 2.88 1.44 1.55 100.0 19.00
326 2166 AB 15-30 30.0 12.0 58.0 C 0.81 0.07 4.90 7.96 0.35 32.00 25.40 3.88 1.10 1.30 100 23.00
326 2167 Btk 30-110 24.0 14.0 62.0 C 0.53 0.04 4.20 8.13 0.50 21.20 18.11 8.24 0.96 1.65 100 25.00
326 2168 Ck >110 22.0 12.0 66.0 C 0.14 0.04 6.40 8.24 0.90 25.00 14.73 8.59 0.68 2.80 100.0 28.00
328 2169 Ap 0-20 14.0 18.0 68.0 C 1.31 1.76 0.11 6.00 7.97 0.40 41.40 27.10 5.71 0.86 0.85 100.0 22.00
328 2170 Bt 20-90 14.0 12.0 74.0 C 0.92 0.05 6.20 8.46 0.75 45.32 19.37 9.82 0.76 3.10 100 26.00
32
Results
328 2171 C 90-160 12.0 12.0 76.0 C 0.04 0.03 7.70 8.28 4.00 26.40 20.21 6.64 0.40 4.55 100.0 29.50
329 2172 Ap 0-25 16.0 14.0 70.0 C 1.16 0.02 0.14 4.40 7.82 0.60 33.70 13.24 4.63 1.10 1.05 100 25.00
329 2173 Bt 25-110 14.0 8.0 78.0 C 0.02 0.03 5.90 8.63 1.55 25.40 11.93 3.44 0.96 1.95 100 31.50
329 2174 C 110-140 10.0 10.0 80.0 C 0.01 0.02 7.00 8.50 3.50 27.00 12.96 6.41 1.00 8.55 100 30.50
Average values for Vertisols 140+ 27 14.5 58 C 1,40 0.62 0.07 9.48 8.2 1.1 21.8 21.8 4.8 0.87 1.94 100 25.7
0.01 0.02 2.1 7.81 0.14 7.28 5.02 0.3 0.10 0.2 14.85
Range values for Vertisols 6-64 4-38 12-80 1.16-1.55 1.76 0.19 35.5 8.8 4.0 45.32 86.29 10.93 1.76 8.55 34.15
Table 10: Soil laboratory results of the Vertisols
33
Results
The Vertisols in the study area have low stable porosity, and a predominance of fine
pores. The topography is usually flat or gently sloping throughout the alluvial plain, and
the most common soil erosion type is slight sheet wash, but rill and gully erosion occur
on the upper slope of the dissected plateaus around the Borama/Gebiley catchments.
A Gilgai microrelief is often a peculiar sign of the Vertisols; in this study this feature was
not found, although many sinkholes were observed.
Soil physical properties

The bulk density of the vertisols in the study area can be broadly characterised as
available data is limited to the surface horizons and it is recognised that clay content
increases with soil depth. Bulk densities are usually very widely distributed and occur in a
moderately low range between 1.16 - 1.54g/cm3. These variations are caused by swelling
and shrinking with changes in soil moisture content. Bulk density is high when the soils
are dry and low when wet. Water infiltration is moderately slow.
In the dry season, surface horizons are characterised by grumic and granular structure
(forming surface mulch) at intervals of 10 - 20 cm which often cover up wide, deep
vertical cracks in the soil. In the subsoil there are strongly developed prismatic, angular
to sub-angular structures separated from each other by cracks of various sizes. In the
wet season all the structures are almost completely destroyed, reducing the surface
horizon to a massive block. Shiny pressure faces and/or well-developed slickensides were
also observed in the profiles. Porosity is limited, except for the cracks developed during
the dry season and occasional root channels. In the lower horizons the plant roots are
confined to cracks and slickenside faces.
The vertisols in the study area have a relatively high water storage capacity in the root
zone of the upper 1m of the soil profile, due to their depth and high clay content. The soil
moisture content in the deeper layers is lower, apparently due to compression effects on
metric potential. As this study area is characterised by uncertain rainfall, the water
stored in the soil profile is very important for survival of crops during the growing season
until the end of the rainy season.
Soil chemical properties

In an arid and semi-arid climate it is recognised that the major chemical factors limiting
crop production are usually related to the increase of soluble salts in the soil. Therefore
attention is always focused on chemical analyses to assess the types and amount of
soluble salts and amount of exchangeable sodium associated with the soil clay.
Consequently, all the soil horizons of the sampled profiles were subjected to detailed
chemical analyses.
Chemical analysis of vertisols in the study area (Table 10) show them to be rich in clay
content, moderately alkaline in reaction and moderately base saturated (for the
interpretation, see Annex 2). Salinity values are uniformly low throughout the soil profile.
The levels of exchangeable sodium are generally very low. These characteristics are
favourable for crop production.
Soil Fertility
The results of tests on organic matter and total nitrogen in the surface horizons of the
soil profiles show values of less than 1% and 0.1% respectively, indicating that levels of
organic matter and total nitrogen are lower than deficient. These low values are probably
a result of the arid and semi-arid climates, but a major factor is also the lack of soil
management practices in relation to the agricultural and pastoral systems. Therefore,
nitrogen fertilizer will be necessary to maintain or increase crop yields under present
farming systems.
34
Results
Phosphorus (P) was determined to be the available form. The measured values of
phosphorus indicate it is irregular in terms of content and distribution in almost all the
profiles. Phosphorus values vary from site to site, and similarly downwards in the soil
profile, ranging between 3.5 - 35.5 ppm. Rating of P according to guidelines for
interpretation by Olsens method (Landon, 1984) suggests that values < 5 ppm can be
considered low and 5 - 15 ppm as medium. Values > 15 ppm are considered excessive.
As pH values of soils in the study area are moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline,
phosphorous is subject to fixation or formation of poorly soluble calcium phosphate,
suggesting that application of phosphate fertilizer is required and likely to improve
production in intensive cultivation systems.
Management and use

The vertisols in this semi-arid region are used for different purposes, but primarily for
rain-fed agriculture through smallholder post-rainy season crop cultivation, mainly
sorghum, maize, millet, cowpeas and Qat, and extensive grazing and wood collection.
Crop management practices are mainly directed towards building soil bunds for water
harvesting, in combination with soil conservation in order to store more water in the soil.
Neither manure nor mineral fertilizers are not applied to crops.
Fluvisols (Profiles: 103, 106, 107, 113, 200, 201, 206)

Fluvisols are young soils developed on parent material of recent alluvial plains, river fans
and tidal marshes which are periodically flooded by seasonal rivers which are very
common within the Al Mountains, Highlands and Dissected Plateaus, mostly in the central
part of the study area. Soil profiles show stratification and a weak subsoil horizon
differentiation due to successive flooding and deposition of soil material.
The climate is arid and semi-arid, similar to that of the Vertisols. Topography is a flat to
gently undulating surface. The natural vegetation varies from general open trees with
shrubs, sparse shrubs with a herbaceous layer, general open shrubs and bare soil. The
fluvisols in the study area are very important because they are used for irrigated
orchards along the alluvial plains of the main rivers and toggas.
Physical and chemical properties

In arid and semi-arid climates, it is recognised that the major physical and chemical
factors limiting crop production usually relate to soil texture, alkalinity, sodicity and levels
of salinity. Therefore, attention is always focused on physical and chemical analyses to
assess important parameters associated with soil characteristics. Consequently, all soil
horizons of the sampled profiles were physically and chemical analysed, and described as
follows:
Fluvisols in the study area all have diverse texture classes which change within the soil
profile and in different spatial areas. The majority of these soils have good water
drainage and water holding capacities, and are periodically flooded. They have variable
bulk density ranging from 1.30 - 1.67, which is fairly high. The pH ranges from
moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline, varying with depth or spatially.
Salinity is not a major hazard in these soils. Results obtained from the analyses show
that a limited number of sites lower horizons have a moderate degree of salinity and
may cause salinity problems in the long term if irrigation is applied to inadequately
drained land.
The analytical value of the total sums of CEC in the fluvisols of the study areas are
variable and range from low (5 - 15 meq/100g) to medium (15 - 25meq/100g) and with
an irregular distribution within the profiles. This is due to the diverse nature of the
stratification layers and their content of colloidal material clay and organic matter. The
base saturation is high or moderate. The dominant exchangeable cations are calcium and
35
Results
magnesium. There is no sodium hazard and the soils are strongly calcareous. All the
fluvisols are deficient in organic carbon and nitrogen, and phosphorus values are also
low. Available potassium is adequate. Application of organic manure or inorganic nitrogen
can yield better crop responses in terms of yield.
Management and use

The fluvisols of the study area are developed in river plain landscapes and have good
natural fertility. They are usually suitable for all uses, but in the project area are
commonly used for irrigated crops or grazing and woodcutting for fuelwood.
Calcisols (Profiles: 110, 114, 115, 118, 119, 124, 129, 135, 136, 138, 310, 311, 317)
The calcisols are soils commonly developed in the study area and are characterised by
having a substantial secondary accumulation of lime. They principally occur in dissected
plateaux and some piedmonts of the study area. Deep fluvial incisions form areas of bare
rock at the upper surface part of the landscape, generally causing high and intense
degradation. They are developed in highly calcareous parent material mainly in the
Fossiliferrous limestone and Yesomma sandstones. The parent material in the lower parts
of the landscape is mostly alluvial and colluvial, consisting of base-rich weathered
deposits consisting mainly of highly calcareous sands and gravel of colluvial and alluvial
soil deposits.
The natural vegetation consists of general open shrubs with open herbaceous, sparse
trees and different herbaceous cover. Most of these soil units are used for rainfed
agriculture and livestock grazing.

The majority of the calcisols have a clayey texture which varies slightly with soil depth
(see Table 11). These soils are strongly calcareous throughout the soil profiles,
moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline, non saline, have adequate to high CEC, high to
adequate or rarely excessive content of phosphorus and are deficient in organic matter
and total nitrogen (for interpretation see Annex 2).
Management and use

The vast majority of the calcisols are under shrubs, grasses, herbs and sparse tree cover
and are used for general grazing. Some calcisols are used for production of isolated
rainfed fields of herbaceous crops (single or multiple), sorghum and maize where arable
farming is not hindered by surface stoniness or a shallow petrocalcic horizon.
Cambisols (Profiles: 108)

These are soils with an initial stage of subsurface soil horizon differentiation. They occur
in slopes, denudational surfaces and in some alluvial deposits in the study area. The
parent material is derived from a wide variety of rocks, the most common of which is
fossiliferous limestone. The profiles are characterised by slight transformation of the
parent material and evidence changes in soil structure, colour and clay content, but there
is an absence of appreciable quantities of illuviated clay or carbonate content, organic
matter, Al and/or Fe compounds. The topography varies from flat to gently sloping
surfaces of alluvial deposits.
36
Results
Table 11: Soil laboratory results of the Calcisols, Fluvisols, Regosols, Cambisols, Arenosols
PROFILE LAB_CODE HORIZON DEPTH SAND SILT CLAY TEXTURE Bulk_density C_% N_% P_ppm PH(H2O) EC CECm_meq/100g Ca++ Mg++ K+ Na+ PSB_% CaCO3_
% % % (g/cm) mS/cm %
110 1861 A1k 0-10 18.0 34.0 48.0 C 1.46 0.42 0.04 15.20 8.15 0.78 19.12 72.84 3.82 0.79 1.05 100.0 36.65
110 1862 A2k 10-20 22.0 20.0 58.0 C 0.77 0.06 16.30 8.03 0.33 26.39 32.84 0.47 1.03 1.20 100 27.65
110 1863 Ck 20-90 34.0 18.0 54.0 C 0.30 0.02 15.40 8.14 0.58 11.60 112.74 4.46 0.28 3.47 100 28.15
114 1867 A1 0-19 52.0 30.0 18.0 SL 1.66 0.65 0.04 11.70 8.03 2.19 19.16 14.82 1.79 1.27 0.97 100.0 6.65
114 1868 AB 19-35 44.0 30.0 26.0 L 0.66 0.05 11.60 8.14 0.60 11.38 20.47 2.29 1.37 2.00 100.0 8.65
114 1869 Bt 35-60 40.0 32.0 28.0 CL 0.64 0.05 15.60 8.19 0.29 12.36 23.81 2.94 1.00 2.53 100 9.65
114 1870 Ck 60-120 40.0 30.0 30.0 CL 0.59 0.03 12.40 8.17 0.23 13.76 20.35 3.01 0.28 2.17 100 14.65
115 1871 Ap 0-15 36.0 16.0 48.0 C 1.48 1.16 0.10 10.80 8.00 0.15 18.96 23.40 2.36 1.27 1.23 100 18.65
115 1872 Bt 15-60 44.0 16.0 40.0 CL 0.80 0.08 10.20 8.42 0.80 20.96 23.04 37.00 0.73 0.57 100 15.65
115 1873 Ck1 60-80 32.0 18.0 50.0 C 0.87 0.09 9.60 8.08 0.70 26.56 32.16 3.68 0.73 0.73 100.0 20.65
115 1874 Ck2 80-145 32.0 16.0 52.0 C 0.60 0.06 14.70 8.15 0.35 18.54 26.91 3.24 0.57 0.70 100.0 30.65
118 1880 Ap 0-15 54.0 14.0 32.0 SCL 1.45 0.60 0.05 7.20 8.26 0.22 15.60 15.11 2.69 1.16 0.80 100.0 12.50
118 1881 A2 15-28 52.0 10.0 38.0 SC 0.56 0.06 17.40 8.14 0.52 8.68 32.21 2.13 0.72 0.75 100.0 12.50
118 1882 Bt1 28-65 40.0 10.0 50.0 C 0.72 0.07 6.10 8.26 0.25 15.62 17.50 2.20 0.71 0.75 100.0 20.00
118 1883 Bt2k1 65-118 32.0 14.0 54.0 C 0.52 0.05 6.40 8.33 0.30 12.99 10.99 2.07 0.64 0.80 100.0 26.50
118 1884 Ck2 118-150 60.0 10.0 30.0 SC 0.39 0.03 39.40 8.58 1.16 10.64 11.18 3.04 0.58 1.45 100.0 31.00
119 1885 A1 0-20 30.0 14.0 56.0 C 1.65 0.58 0.08 7.00 8.37 0.16 12.00 15.03 2.51 0.56 1.45 100.0 13.00
119 1886 A2 20-42 44.0 12.0 44.0 C 0.71 0.07 7.20 8.22 0.52 18.60 42.05 3.24 0.56 0.85 100.0 21.50
119 1887 C1 42-65 36.0 12.0 52.0 C 0.44 0.04 6.50 8.35 0.35 16.40 24.53 4.58 0.40 0.85 100.0 30.00
119 1888 C2k 65-150 40.0 12.0 48.0 C 0.26 0.02 11.30 8.17 0.29 11.00 9.61 1.30 0.40 0.95 100.0 29.50
124 2090 A1 0-23 20.0 12.0 68.0 C 1.39 1.01 0.14 10.60 8.08 0.35 30.88 34.66 4.02 1.18 1.05 100.0 25.85
124 2091 A2 23-45 56.0 4.0 40.0 SC 0.53 0.06 13.60 8.23 0.27 14.28 30.18 3.92 0.24 0.50 100.0 19.35
124 2092 Ck1 45-65 52.0 6.0 42.0 SC 0.27 0.05 9.10 8.23 0.45 14.48 38.48 4.68 0.30 0.70 100.0 21.35
124 2093 Ck2 >65 50.0 6.0 44.0 SC 0.21 0.03 8.40 8.30 0.55 11.08 23.72 4.96 0.24 0.60 100.0 22.85
129 2094 ACk1 0-25 24.0 34.0 42.0 C 1.36 0.29 0.04 13.10 8.27 0.25 17.32 32.54 1.71 0.48 0.95 100.0 26.85
129 2095 Ck2 25-40 22.0 36.0 42.0 C 0.25 0.09 3.50 7.87 3.50 16.28 21.02 3.47 0.38 0.50 100.0 31.35
135 2096 A 0-25 48.0 12.0 40.0 SC 1.33 0.50 0.05 5.60 8.42 2.40 15.08 30.89 2.16 0.32 1.20 100.0 20.35
135 2097 Ck1 25-65 46.0 12.0 42.0 SC 0.38 0.05 2.70 8.01 2.30 13.48 17.71 2.02 0.16 0.85 100.0 25.85
135 2098 Ck2 65-80 44.0 12.0 44.0 C 0.28 0.04 4.40 8.13 2.45 15.08 30.10 4.13 0.28 1.80 100.0 30.85
136 2099 Ac 0-25 58.0 8.0 34.0 SCL 1.39 0.43 0.07 2.20 8.25 0.21 11.32 32.67 2.29 0.26 0.45 100.0 25.85
136 2100 Ck 25->75 42.0 16.0 42.0 C 0.42 0.04 2.20 8.55 0.24 18.12 10.08 4.81 0.24 0.70 100 37.35
138 2101 A 0-20 58.0 10.0 32.0 SCL 1.73 1.03 0.08 2.60 8.11 0.24 20.12 21.35 1.45 1.04 1.05 100.0 16.35
138 2102 Bt 20-75 38.0 10.0 52.0 C 0.74 0.09 9.90 8.10 0.40 23.08 18.31 2.67 0.92 0.95 100 19.35
138 2103 Ck >75 44.0 8.0 48.0 C 0.35 0.04 2.30 8.24 0.29 13.68 36.62 2.41 0.52 0.75 100.0 23.85
310 2137 A 0-35 76.0 6.0 18.0 SL 1.58 0.31 0.05 11.80 8.17 0.20 10.20 17.99 2.06 0.80 0.55 100.0 7.50
310 2138 B 35-75 68.0 6.0 26.0 SCL 0.27 0.05 5.20 8.11 0.50 10.00 18.51 2.16 0.36 0.75 100.0 14.00
310 2139 C 75-140 18.0 14.0 68.0 C 0.18 0.05 9.50 8.14 4.00 27.80 13.76 5.95 0.60 3.95 100 29.50
317 2143 A 0-10 34.0 18.0 48.0 C 1.38 0.62 0.07 10.10 8.17 0.35 29.40 35.73 3.78 0.88 1.60 100.0 24.00
317 2144 AB 10-20 24.0 22.0 54.0 C 0.94 0.07 9.40 8.35 0.30 33.40 18.75 3.98 0.36 1.70 100 27.00
317 2145 Bt 20-65 22.0 20.0 58.0 C 0.68 0.07 13.60 8.31 0.70 26.40 17.35 3.03 0.28 2.30 100 27.00
Average values for Calcisols 99 40.65 16 43.5 SCL 1.48 0.54 0.06 10.04 8.20 0.76 17.29 27.05 3.86 0.62 1.20 100 22.2
0.18 0.02 2.2 7.87 0.15 8.68 9.61 0.47 0.16 0.45 6.65
Range values for Calcisols 0-150 18-68 4-36 18-68 1.33-1.73 1.16 0.14 39.4 8.42 4.0 33.4 112.74 37.0 1.37 3.95 37.35
37
Results
PROFILE LAB_CODE HORIZON DEPTH SAND SILT CLAY TEXTUR Bulk_density C_% N_% P_ppm PH(H2O) EC CECm_meq/100g Ca++ Mg++ K+ Na+ PSB_% CaCO3_
% % % E (g/cm) mS/cm %
103 1653 A1 0-40 10.0 52.0 38.0 SICL 1.35 0.50 0.04 14.20 8.30 1.30 15.60 19.5 1.7 0.3 2 100.0 23.00
103 1654 E 40-60 12.0 74.0 14.0 SIL 0.40 0.05 8.60 7.90 4.07 7.40 28.1 2.9 0.3 2 100.0 10.00
103 1655 B1 60-90 16.0 60.0 24.0 SIL 0.70 0.11 4.30 7.70 8.91 21.10 24.3 0.4 0.8 7 100.0 21.00
103 1656 B2 90-110 22.0 64.0 14.0 SIL 0.20 0.02 11.30 8.20 3.73 6.30 14.3 1.6 0.2 2 100.0 9.00
103 1657 C1 110-120 12.0 46.0 42.0 SICL 0.40 0.04 8.80 7.90 10.60 14.00 17.5 3.1 0.3 11 100.0 23.00
106 1758 A 0-20 54.0 34.0 12.0 SL 1.65 0.82 0.07 10.30 8.10 0.16 9.20 12 0.7 1.2 1 100 13.00
107 1759 A1 0-20 68.0 14.0 18.0 SL 1.63 0.37 0.01 12.00 8.30 0.11 11.10 11.2 0.6 0.5 0.5 100 9.00
107 1760 C1 20-110 66.0 18.0 16.0 SL 0.18 0.01 6.40 8.40 0.12 9.90 9.9 0.7 0.1 0.2 100 10.00
107 1761 C2 110-120 78.0 12.0 10.0 SL 0.71 0.01 6.50 9.00 0.16 17.90 18.3 1.6 0.1 1 100 8.00
113 1864 A1 0-35 46.0 34.0 20.0 L 1.45 0.85 0.08 10.00 8.27 0.23 11.16 22.34 1.63 0.67 0.77 100.0 8.15
113 1865 A2 65-75 34.0 42.0 24.0 L 0.61 0.06 8.80 8.40 0.24 13.39 26.21 2.00 0.39 0.60 100.0 12.65
113 1866 C 75-150 20.0 42.0 38.0 SiCL 0.57 0.07 6.80 8.17 0.47 15.92 27.83 3.22 0.40 0.70 100.0 13.65
200 1762 A 0-15 72.0 14.0 14.0 SL 1.57 0.13 0.02 7.30 8.50 0.12 11.20 14.5 1 0.5 0.5 100 8.00
200 1763 C 15-200 74.0 12.0 14.0 SL 0.14 0.01 5.90 8.40 2.48 14.10 16.4 1.8 0.2 4 100 6.00
201 1764 A1 0-10 88.0 8.0 4.0 S 1.67 0.24 0.02 8.20 8.40 0.07 10.50 5.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 100 2.00
201 1765 A2 10-45 88.0 6.0 6.0 S 0.21 0.02 7.60 8.50 0.07 23.30 10.2 0.4 0.2 1 100 1.00
201 1766 C 45-100 88.0 6.0 6.0 S 0.16 0.01 6.50 8.50 0.10 11.90 12.8 0.3 0.1 0.2 100 5.00
206 1897 A 0-35 22.0 16.0 62.0 C 1.30 0.48 0.05 8.30 8.53 1.51 23.86 14.56 7.85 0.70 3.25 100.0 30.00
206 1898 C1 35-65 90.0 4.0 6.0 S 0.13 0.01 6.00 8.61 0.28 5.40 8.61 1.33 0.12 0.10 100.0 14.50
206 1899 C2 65-94 90.0 4.0 6.0 S 0.13 0.01 8.50 8.51 0.26 6.60 8.88 0.79 0.18 0.25 100.0 16.00
206 1900 C3 >94 92.0 6.0 2.0 S 0.09 0.00 7.70 8.61 0.30 10.60 10.57 0.96 0.18 0.30 100.0 14.50
Average values for Fluvisols 114 54.3 27 18.5 SL 1.51 0.38 0.03 8.28 8.34 1.68 12.87 15.87 1.66 0.36 1.83 100 12.25
Range values for Fluvisols 0-200 10-92 4-74 2-62 1.30-1.67 0.09 0.00 6.0 7.7 0.07 5.4 5.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 1.0
0.85 0.11 14.2 9.0 10.6 23.86 28.1 7.85 0.67 7 30
105 1755 A1 0-10 74.0 18.0 8.0 SL 1.70 0.63 0.05 15.30 8.10 0.28 6.60 11.8 1.1 1 1 100.0 7.00
105 1756 A2 10-65 76.0 10.0 14.0 SL 0.34 0.03 9.30 8.10 0.14 7.80 17.7 1.2 0.3 0.4 100.0 8.00
105 1757 Ck 65-150 72.0 12.0 16.0 SL 0.19 0.03 7.20 8.30 0.12 23.80 13.7 1.4 0.3 1 100 11.00
203 1854 A1 0-30 66.0 24.0 10.0 SL 1.61 0.51 0.05 13.50 8.76 0.40 13.57 13.67 1.16 0.17 0.36 100.0 5.65
203 1855 A2 30-60 60.0 24.0 16.0 SL 0.64 0.12 8.50 8.34 1.30 11.52 10.47 1.06 0.09 0.10 100.0 5.65
203 1856 C1 60-125 62.0 22.0 16.0 SL 0.63 0.06 13.70 8.14 0.35 32.58 16.46 1.22 0.17 0.36 100 11.15
203 1857 C2 125-170 72.0 16.0 8.0 SL 0.31 0.03 0.50 8.11 2.30 9.96 11.37 1.47 0.11 0.10 100.0 4.65
Average values for Regosols 160 68.8 18 12.5 SL 1.65 0.46 0.05 9.71 8.26 0.69 15.11 13.59 1.23 0.3 0.47 100 7.58
Range values for Regosols 60-76 12-24 8-16 1.61-1.7 0.19 0.03 0.5 8.1 0.12 6.6 10.47 1.06 0.09 0.1 4.65
0.64 0.12 15.3 8.76 2.3 32.58 17.7 1.47 0.3 1 11.15
108 1767 A 0-15 52.0 20.0 28.0 SCL 1.39 0.47 0.05 7.70 8.20 1.24 30.80 21.4 2.8 0.2 1 100 14.00
108 1768 B 15-35 40.0 26.0 34.0 CL 0.57 0.04 7.80 7.90 3.00 24.00 22.5 5.2 0.3 2 100 16.00
108 1769 C1 35-70 36.0 38.0 26.0 LS 0.38 0.03 7.70 7.90 2.30 25.50 19.40 4.90 0.20 2.00 100 14.00
108 1770 C2 70-140 50.0 26.0 24.0 SCL 0.39 0.04 7.40 8.10 1.30 29.90 23.40 5.20 0.20 2.00 100 10.00
Cambisols
Arenosols
104 1658 A1 0-25 76.0 18.0 6.0 LS 1.60 0.20 0.01 3.20 8.80 0.08 1.30 6.6 0.3 0.2 0 100.0 4.00
104 1659 A2 25-75 78.0 16.0 6.0 LS 0.10 0.00 3.30 8.80 0.07 0.70 10.5 0.4 0.2 0.2 100.0 4.00
104 1660 AC 75-85 88.0 8.0 4.0 S 0.10 0.00 2.40 9.20 0.15 0.60 11.9 0.3 0.2 0.7 100.0 5.00
104 1661 C1 85-110 64.0 28.0 8.0 LS 0.10 0.00 1.60 9.80 0.40 2.70 12.9 0.7 0.5 1 100.0 4.00
104 1662 C2 110-120 92.0 4.0 4.0 S 0.10 0.00 34.60 10.00 0.40 1.10 11.7 0.3 0.2 0.5 100.0 4.00
38
Results
The soils are covered by wide range vegetation from general open trees with shrubs,
dense shrubs and herbaceous cover. The main use of these soils is for livestock grazing
and in small cases for rainfed agriculture purposes.

Soil analysis data of cambisols examined in the project area show that soil texture is
within loamy classes and of low bulk density. These soils are moderately alkaline in soil
reaction, non saline to moderately saline, high to moderate CEC, high base saturation
and strongly calcareous. They are deficient in nutrients, specifically nitrogen and
phosphorus.
Management and use

Due to insufficient rainfall moisture conditions, these soils are commonly used for grazing
and wood harvesting. Small irrigated fields of fruit trees and herbaceous crops (pulses
and vegetables) are practiced beside the water sources.
Arenosols (Profile: 104)

The Arenosols comprise soils developed on the coastal plain, which is commonly flat with
small, slightly sloping surfaces towards the Red Sea. The coastal plain is intersected by
broad rivers forming deltas, accumulating seawards. Seasonal flush floods originating in
the hills and Al Mountains occur in large parts of the area.
Parent material of soils in the coastal plain consist of mixed unconsolidated deposits from
sandy aeolian beach deposits (consisting of quartz particles and mica flakes) with finer
materials from loam to silty clay texture of recent alluvial deposits. The soil profile shows
no sign of development or horizon differentiation.
Natural vegetation cover varies from bare soil with scattered vegetation, to general open
herbaceous and closed strips of exotic trees (Prosopsis sp.) along the streams.

The arenosols of the study area have a loamy sand texture class and moderately high
bulk density. This indicates that these soils are highly permeable and have low water
storage capacity.
The soils are strongly alkaline in reaction, not saline, low in CEC and deficient in soil
nutrients, particularly organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus.
Management and use

The arenosols are found in the arid coastal plain where annual rainfall is lower than 150
mm. They are characterised by a common sandy class texture, high permeability and low
water holding capacity, low nutrient storage and high sensitivity to wind erosion. They do
not favour cultivation of crops. The most common land use is transhumance grazing and
sedentary pastoralism. The most common grazing animals are goats and camels.
Leptosols (Profiles: 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 42, 46, 51)
Leptosols are the dominant soils in the study area, occurring mainly in the northern
central part of the study area on the Al Mountains, but are also present in the Plateau
and dissected plateaus. Their landscapes include isolated mountain blocks or successions
of mountains of differing elevations, rugged or more or less dissected surfaces as a result
of tectonic faulting and folding activity, volcanic activity, the effects of climatic
weathering, drainage and plants and animals. There are recently developed steep-sided
trenches or channels (classified as gully and rills) of varying widths and depths) in poorly
consolidated bedrocks, and weathered sediments or soil on sloping lands in response to
intense run-off events. The mountain surfaces are made up of stony and rocky
formations without soil development. Dominant rocks are Fossiliferrous limestone,
39
Results
sandstone, biotite and amphibole, schists, sand and gravel of colluvial and small alluvial
deposits in narrow river beds.
They are very shallow soils over continuous rock, and soils that are extremely gravelly or
stony. These characteristics make these soils of limited suitability for agriculture.
Vegetation cover is variable, consisting of general open shrubs, general open trees with
shrubs and general open herbaceous with shrubs.
Due to the limited amount of soil material in Leptosols, soil profiles were difficult to dig
and no soil samples were taken.
Management and use

Leptosols have the most resource potential as areas for wet season grazing and as
woodland. Erosion is the greatest threat to large areas of these soils in the study area,
due to increasing overexploitation for grazing and wood collection by transhumance and
semi-sedentary pastoralism, which appear to determine very high levels of surface
stoniness.
Solonchaks (Profiles: no profiles available, bibliographic information)

Solonchaks are soils with a high concentration of soluble salts at certain times of the
year. They are located in the playas in the southern part of the study area on the border
with Ethiopia. Land cover in the area is mainly bare soil with scattered vegetation,
allowing very marginal levels of grazing activity.
Regosols (Profiles: 20, 26, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 105, 137, 203)
Regosols comprise all the soils that can not be referred to any of other Reference Soil
Groups. These soils are characteristic of arid and semi-arid environments, and due to
their aridity the soil profiles do not show diagnostic horizons that may be referred to any
of the previous RSG. These soils occur in variable relief types in the landscape,
particularly on planation surfaces, slopes, denudational surfaces, mesas and pediments of
dissected plateaus; the topography is generally undulating to hilly. The parent material
consists of unconsolidated fine-grained material originating from different rock types,
including basement complexes, limestone and sandstone.
Vegetation cover of the Regosols in the study area varies from place to place, generally
being open shrubs, sparse trees with shrubs, sparse shrubs or general open herbaceous.

A limited number of soil profile samples were examined for physical and chemical
analysis as most of these soils in the study are shallow. The data of the tested soil
profiles indicate a uniform sandy loam texture and moderately high bulk density, a
strongly to moderately alkaline reaction, are non saline, have high CEC, high base
saturation, are strongly calcareous and deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Management and use

Due to the low rainfall and fragile land surface and low moisture-holding capacity of this
soil, the Regosols in the study area have minimal agriculture significance, as do the
Leptosols. They are used as communal grazing lands and for wood collection.
40
Results
41
Results
42
Results
Prefix qualifiers
According to WRB 2006, the Prefix qualifiers are typically associated qualifiers and
intergrade qualifiers; the sequence of the intergrade qualifiers follows that of the RSGs in
the WRB Key, with the exception of Arenosols; this intergrade is ranked with the textural
suffix qualifiers. The qualifiers should be used before the reference group and give the
specific soil diagnostic property that characterises the soil class.
Table 12: Prefix qualifiers
PREFIX Interpretation
Calcic Having a calcic horizon or concretions of secondary carbonates between
50 and 100 cm from the soil surface.
Endosalic Having a salic (salt) horizon starting within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Fluvic Having fluvic material (fluviatile, marine and lacustrine sediments) in a
layer, 25 cm or more thick, within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Grumic Having a surface layer with a 3 cm or more with a strong structure finer
than very coarse granular.
Haplic Having a typical expression of certain features (typical in the sense that
there is no further or meaningful characterisation) and only used if
none of the preceding qualifiers applies.
Hypercalcic Having a strong calcic horizon or concentrations of secondary
carbonates starting within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Hyperskeletic More than 40% (by volume) gravel or other coarse fragments averaged
over a depth of 100 cm from the soil surface or to continuous rock or a
cemented or indurated layer, whichever is shallower.
Lithic Having continuous rock starting within 10 cm of the soil surface (in
Leptosols only).
Luvic Having an argic horizon that has a CEC of 24cmolc/kg clay or more
throughout or to a depth of 50 cm below its upper limit, whichever is
shallower, either starting within 100 cm of the soil surface, or within
200 cm of the soil surface if the argic horizon is overlain by loamy sand
or coarse textures throughout, and a base saturation ( by1 M NH4OAc)
of 50 percent or more in the major part between 50 and 100 cm from
the soil surface
Mazic Having a massive structure and hard to very hard consistency in the
upper 20 cm of the soil
Petric Having a strongly cemented or indurated layer starting within 100 cm
of the soil surface.
Vertic Having a vertic horizon (clayey subsurface horizon that, as a result of
shrinking and swelling, has slickensides and wedge-shaped structural
aggregates) or vertic properties starting within 100 cm of the soil
surface.
4.2.2 General accuracy of the map

After running verification and validation processes, the following results were obtained:
Verification of the map

Forty random points were used for assessing the map quality. The table below shows the
40 random points with the soil classes inferred by the model, and the expected soil
classes according to a soil scientists expert knowledge.
43
Results
Table 13: Error matrix using Expert Knowledge
X Y Inferred Expected (expert

Random Point knowledge)
1 379840.0027483 1078626.1741585 leptosols_regosols
2 339596.7945320 1053978.0190246 vertisols
3 304946.6938532 1136464.0262495 leptosols
6 321808.4816118 1120208.3726447 fluvisols
7 333048.0564785 1104790.4273984 regosols
8 304461.6021455 1135302.5410409 leptosols
9 397972.7307810 1023301.4472995 vertisols
10 393369.2104752 1135831.8904944 regosols
11 380349.3490414 1094270.2492684 regosols
12 331752.8616190 1041438.0902243 vertisols
13 395493.9121548 1028163.2393672 vertisols
14 313183.5510494 1065865.2548096 vertisols
15 347241.8398449 1078996.2048444 fluvisols
16 301682.0266606 1115423.6703033 leptosols
17 334527.5861869 1077176.8873053 vertisols
18 418225.3095762 1066821.1674149 calcisols
19 294953.8046752 1137101.3013197 regosols cambisols
20 293382.1075424 1121308.1860723 leptosols
21 327576.2220160 1098242.9399838 leptosols
22 380635.5531489 1033924.4115742 vertisols
23 316365.7526517 1112088.2548150 fluvisols
24 361265.8411136 1042198.7088564 vertisols
25 401848.6135252 1160233.3585043 leptosols regosols
26 408790.2758620 1053936.9045040 fluvisols vertisols
27 373490.1522949 1030660.9464971 vertisols
28 418341.7315860 1062478.4461705 regosols leptosols
29 387227.9494561 1055458.1417683 regosols cambisols
31 366325.3477726 1112242.4342675 leptosols
32 311388.7117311 1094912.6636537 leptosols
34 327687.7931087 1053073.4995702 vertisols
36 390099.6923655 1157802.4624704 regosols
37 301861.5105924 1109271.9101500 leptosols
38 420820.5502122 1071909.0893461 leptosols
39 371229.6249372 1079566.6688185 leptosols
40 371578.8909667 1094542.6329678 leptosols
The above error matrix gives an overall accuracy level of 87.5% according to expert
knowledge. This is due to the general scale of 1:100.000 which controls the predictive
process.
Validation of the map

Eighty two soil profiles collected in the field were used to validate the inferred soil map.
These profiles were compared with the predicted or inferred soil classes in the same
area. Table 12 shows the error matrix obtained through this process.
The error matrix (Table 14) gives an overall accuracy level of 80.4% which is the
accuracy at which the map was produced. This demonstrates that the map represents the
soil variability of the area under 80.4%.
44
Results
Table 14: Error matrix of the validation process
Random Point X Y Inferred Observed

101 409401 1035093 vertisol
109 293311 1098830 vertisol
122 367873 1050614 vertisol
125 372534 1056758 calcisol vertisol
303 369736 1040302 vertisol
305 346450 1036186 vertisol
307 385163 1042931 vertisol
309 394299 1025995 vertisol
306 374743 1028580 vertisol
308 372823 1034437 vertisol
323 413625 1040462 vertisol
329 325151 1063458 vertisol
121 347691 1042124 vertisol
301 292822 1100951 vertisol
120 347168 1053619 vertisol
123 318826 1061372 vertisol
302 372635 1047616 vertisol
328 327021 1068371 vertisol
102 409341 1034321 vertisol
304 338710 1038520 vertisol
321 391024 1042029 vertisol
326 331228 1056257 vertisol
21 365559 1115328 leptosol
22 367560 1112638 leptosol
48 375690 1048891 leptosol
49 365711 1053553 leptosol
50 360083 1055854 leptosol
29 320610 1077927 leptosol
34 391524 1105374 leptosol
23 366453 1107790 leptosol
24 306412 1135355 leptosol
25 283245 1116868 leptosol
27 310171 1114385 leptosol
28 310527 1114503 leptosol
30 359084 1108407 leptosol
31 297269 1102062 vertisol leptosol
33 408925 1033739 leptosol
35 393304 1101974 leptosol
37 430334 1072201 vertisol leptosol
38 387949 1091887 leptosol
39 380900 1098346 leptosol
42 404513 1108059 leptosol
46 413469 1038976 leptosol
51 332301 1071046 leptosol
110 310471 1114683 leptosol calcisol
115 317848 1087121 calcisol
118 351351 1071426 calcisol
119 350035 1060743 calcisol
124 368316 1067811 calcisol
138 409433 1060397 calcisol
136 419844 1068808 calcisol
310 393828 1066010 calcisol
114 322951 1105225 cambisol calcisol
129 400736 1091345 calcisol
135 425758 1071008 calcisol
311 392999 1069972 fluvisol calcisol
317 405573 1107070 calcisol
105 371735 1148073 regosol
137 411317 1064026 regosol
203 294676 1096493 regosol
20 290726 1100306 leptosol regosol
26 289966 1126844 regosol
36 402059 1109679 regosol
40 380109 110031 Leptosol-regosol regosol
41 392178 1083747 regosol
44 392237 1048008 regosol
45
Results

106 370641 1144179 fluvisol
107 351437 1138236 fluvisol
200 351673 1130587 fluvisol
201 360137 1117240 fluvisol
206 306076 1125322 leptosol fluvisol
103 398704 1167944 fluvisol
113 323089 1106253 fluvisol
104 393211 1175039 arenosol
108 300192 1132129 fluvisol cambisol
4.3 Soil map at 1:50 000 scale

A 1:50 000 soil map was produced only for the Agricultural areas of the study area due
to the higher number of soil profiles available (from a high sampling density), which were
basically the Dur-Dur and Gebiley valleys. The level of classification used in this map was
the suffix which gives clearly specific soil attributes or properties to the main soil
reference group and prefix level. This study area mainly comprises Vertisols, Calcisols,
Fluvisols and Leptosols.
Table 15: Extent of the soil classes
Soil Type Area (ha) Area (km2) %

Calcaric Grumic Vertisol (Chromic) 31020.46 310.20 46.3
Calcaric Grumic Vertisol (Calcaric) 4152.51 41.52
Calcaric Grumic Vertisol (Hyposodic, Chromic) 9686.29 96.86
Calcic Grumic Vertisol (Calcaric, Hyposodic) 2468.84 24.68
Calcic Grumic Vertisol (Hyposalic, Hyposodic, Chromic) 21861.51 218.62
Calcic Mazic Vertisol (Bathyhyposalic, Bathyhyposodic) 1708.32 17.08
Calcic Mazic Vertisol (Chromic) 7738.72 77.39
Calcic Vertisol (Bathyhyposalic, Bathyhyposodic) 33475.76 334.76
Calcic Vertisol (Calcaric, Hyposalic) 22215.79 222.16
Calcic Vertisol (Calcaric, Hyposodic) 65496.53 654.97
Calcic Vertisol (Calcaric, Hyposodic, Chromic) 26709.23 267.09
Calcic Vertisol (Chromic) 39912.59 399.13
Calcic Vertisol (Hyposodic, Chromic) 3254.69 32.55
Haplic Vertisol (Calcaric, Chromic) 18248.77 182.49
Endosalic Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic) 5231.17 52.31 15.7
Haplic Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic) 31481.25 314.81
Haplic Calcisol (Episkeletic, Clayic) 12506.03 125.06
Petric Calcisol (Episkeletic, Arenic) 1878.40 18.78
Hypercalcic Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic) 4269.14 42.69
Vertic Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic) 42279.16 422.79
Haplic Regosol (Aridic) 3993.57 39.94 17.3
Haplic Regosol (Calcaric) 2116.78 21.17
Haplic Regosol (Calcaric, Arenic) 1967.37 19.67
Haplic Regosol (Calcaric, Aridic) 15914.75 159.15
Haplic Regosol (Skeletic) 37008.50 370.08
Haplic Regosol (Calcaric)/Hyperskeletic Lithic
Leptosol(Calcaric) 29578.75 295.79
Haplic Regosol (Calcaric, Arenic)/Haplic Leptosol
(Skeletic) 17115.26 171.15
Haplic Leptosol (Skeletic) 3535.02 35.35 14.9
Hyperskeletic Leptosol 59429.81 594.30
Hyperskeletic Lithic Leptosol 5660.02 56.60
Lithic Leptosol 6336.74 63.37
46
Results
Lithic Leptosol (Calcaric) 17631.41 176.31

Calcic Fluvisol (Aridic, Siltic) 420.75 4.21 4.5
Haplic Fluvisol (Calcaric, Aridic) 27297.12 272.97
Haplic Solonchak 2546.69 25.47 0.42
Fluvic Cambisol (Calcaric) 865.050 8.65 0.15
Technosols 4456.08 44.56 0.73
TOTAL 621468.93 6214.69 100
The soils dominating agricultural areas in the Dur-Dur and Gebiley area are the Vertisols
(46.3%) the majority of which are used for agriculture. Calcisols, Leptosols and Regosols
are found in similar proportions, with calcisols used for agriculture and leptoslols and
regisols for grazing and other marginal land uses. Fluvisols are distributed along the
rivers and alluvial plains and are used mainly for irrigated orchards. Few Cambisols and
Solonchaks are present in the study area.
4.3.1 Technical description of the Suffix qualifiers used in the classification

The soils were first characterised at Reference Group level and also at Prefix qualifier
level. The Suffix qualifiers were now included which, according to the WRB 2006, are
qualifiers aimed at describing diagnostic horizons, properties or materials. They can also
be qualifiers relating to chemical and/or physical characteristics. Descriptions of Suffix
qualifiers used are found in Table 16.
Table 16: Suffix qualifiers and its technical meaning
SUFFIX TECHNICAL MEANING

Aridic Having aridic properties without takyric or yermic horizon. Aridic properties
combine a number of properties that are common in surface horizons of soils
occurring under arid conditions and where pedogenesis exceeds new
accumulation at the soil surface by Aeolian or alluvial activity.
Arenic Having a texture of loamy fine sand or coarser in a layer, 30 cm or more
thick, within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Bathyhyposalic Salic (salt) horizon starting between 100 - 200 cm from the surface.
Bathyhyposodic Sodic horizon having more than 6% saturation with exchangeable sodium
between 100 - 200 cm from the surface.
Calcaric Having calcaric material between 20 - 50 cm from the soil surface or
between 20 cm and a continuous rock or a cemented or indurated layer,
whichever is shallower. Calcaric material applies to material that contains 2%
or more calcium carbonate equivalent.
Chromic Having within 150 cm of the soil surface a subsurface layer, 30 cm or more
thick, that has a Munsell hue redder than 7.5YR or that has both, a hue of
7.5 YR and a chroma, moist, of more than 4.
Clayic Having a texture of clay in a layer, 30 cm or more thick, within 1,000 cm of
the soil surface
Dystric Having a base saturation (by 1 M NH4OAc) of less than 50% in the major
part between 20 - 100 cm from the soil surface or between 20 cm and
continuous rock or a cemented or indurated layer, or, in Leptosols, in a
layer, 5 cm or more thick, directly above continuous rock
Epihyposodic Having 15% or more exchangeable Na plus Mg on the exchange complex
within 50 cm of the soil surface.
Episkeletic Having 40% or more (by volume) gravel or other coarse fragments averaged
within 50 cm of the soil surface.
Hyposalic Having an ECe of 4 dSm-1 or more at 25 C in some layer within 100 cm of
the soil surface.
Hyposodic Having 6% or more exchangeable on the exchange complex in a layer, 20
cm or more thick, within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Siltic Having a texture of silt, silt loam, silty clay loam or silty clay in a layer, 30
cm or more thick, within 100 cm of the soil surface.
Skeletic 40% or more (by volume) gravel or other coarse fragments averaged over a
depth of 100 cm from the soil surface or to continuous rock or a cemented or
indurated layer, whichever is shallower.
47
Results
48
Results
49
Results
4.4 Technical assessment of the soil resource in the study area

Table 17 gives a general idea of the main properties of the different soil classes at
Reference group level. The potentialities and limitations of each soil class were expressed
on a theoretical basis (soil reference books and the authors experience) and expert
knowledge.
Table 17: Technical assessment of the soil resource
SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES CHEMICAL RECOMMENDED LIMITATIONS

CLASS PROPERTIES LAND USE
Vertisols Located on flat to slightly Low organic matter Considered fertile Very susceptible to
sloping surfaces. content soil where most erosion: sheet, rill,
agricultural land is and gully erosion,
Low bulk density Low content of found. especially under
nitrogen and poor water
Dark colours phosphorus Good potential harvesting practices.
nutrients. production under
Clayey texture specific soil Soil crusting at the
pH: slightly to management surface is frequent.
Grumic/granular surface moderately alkaline. practices.
structure. Soil severely
EC: Negligible or waterlogged during
Deep soils slightly saline. high rainfall periods.
Angular/subangular Low Exchangeable Difficult to plough

blocky, prismatic sodium. with oxen-drawn
subsurface horizons. implements.
CEC: Moderate
Deep and wide vertical Difficult to cultivate
cracking structure. High base with heavy
saturation. machinery.
Wedge-shaped structure
and slickenside High accumulation Poor trafficability
development in lower of lime. when wet.
layers.
Dominant cations Sub-surface piping
Churning or calcium and through cracks and
pedoturbation. magnesium. sinkholes.
Slow water conductivity
Relatively high water

holding capacity.
Very hard below the

surface horizon when
dry; plastic and sticky
when wet.
Calcisols Well drained Good amount of soil Good alternative Stoniness of the
nutrients. for agriculture use surface or close to
Good water holding due to their the surface in some
capacity. Highly calcareous physical parts.
properties.
Aridity
Salinity in lower
horizons.
High pH and/or high

calcium content
limits the availability
of some nutrients.
Fluvisol Located on flat to gently Irregular organic Good drainage Periodical flooding
undulating surface. content with depth. conditions.
No major soil
Young soils along rivers Salinity in lower Accumulation of development.
layers locally. yearly fertile soil
Good water conductivity material.
50
Results
Mainly light soil texture

classes.
Leptosols Very shallow soils Very poor fertility Not suitable for Shallow depth.
any specific use.
High soil stoniness Mainly Soil stoniness and
conservation. gravel content.
Excessive internal
drainage.
Cambisols Loamy textures Medium fertility Irrigated farming Severe eroding land
in mountain areas.
Extensive grazing
land
Regosols Weakly developed Poor fertility Extensive grazing Delicate and
mineral soil in severely eroding
unconsolidated material. soils.
Shallow or stony soil Poor fertility
Erosion and soil

stoniness.
Arenosols Sandy soils developed in Very poor fertility Extensive nomadic Wind erosion
active sand dunes. grazing.
Saline soils Salinity
Extremely drained
Soil texture (sandy)
Solonchaks Heavy texture soils Very saline soils Conservation Salinity
Low water conductivity Texture
The main aspects that should be highlighted with regard to soil resources in the study
area are related to:
Soil erosion
Soil erosion is the primary problem in the study area. Water and wind erosion are
present all over the territory and have a huge influence on the status of the soil resource
and the overall environment. Sheet, rill and gully erosion are present at different levels
of severity. Soil erosion problems as observed in the field and according to land users,
can be attributed to natural conditions and to land mismanagement, especially increased
levels of livestock grazing (overstocking), increases in numbers of water points (hand-
wells, boreholes and underground water reservoirs or berkado), increasing devegetation
(tree cutting, forage cutting) and some water harvesting techniques applied in
agricultural areas. As the severity of soil erosion in agropastoral areas was noticed
previously, two soil conservation and water harvesting projects were implemented during
the 1980s and in 2000. Specifically, soil bunding was practiced in all the agricultural
areas in the Plateau and dissected plateau between Hargeisa, Gebiley and Borama. In
some areas it is very common to see old and unmaintained soil contour bunds together
with gullies and rills, sometimes partly reduced in height through time either inside or
around the fields. These soil bunds were reported as being established in the 1980s by
the North-west Agricultural Development Project [24], which included soil water
conservation programmes. Several newer bunds were recently made both in support of
farmers practicing soil conservation, but mainly for water harvesting purposes.
It is noteworthy that wind erosion problems are severe and no conservation measures
are in place.
Much of the erosion problems are recent, but they have advanced significantly during the
past 20 years and more intensively after the end of the civil war in 1991. During this
period the majority of pastoralists in the region altered their livelihood from nomadic
herding to sedentary agropastoralism as a primary source of livelihood. The open grazing
lands have been reduced both in extent and access, and traditional grazing has mostly
been substituted by private farming, with permanent enclosures created without legal
51
Results
restrictions or grazing controls. Privately acquired lands are used for grazing family stock
or used for grass harvesting or wood collection. The ever-increasing pressure on land
resources is aggravated by an increased number of water points (wells and berkeds), and
a lack of knowledge and skills amongst new farmers.
Deep soils as a natural resource are limited in the study area due to its arid and semi-
arid climate. Soil formation is a very slow process, and the small existing amounts of soil
are being washed away, making the situation even worse for land users.
Picture 1: Consequences of lack of maintaince of a soil bunding
Soil stoniness
A result of soil erosion is an increase in stoniness on the soil surface. Approximately,
45% of the soils in the study area are graded between Many (15 - 40% of coverage)
and Abundant (40 - 80% of coverage) classes of soil stoniness. Soil stoniness is one of
the main indicators for assessing land degradation as it is a sign of several degradational
processes, usually in an advanced stage, occurring on the land. Its presence constrains
cropping, grazing, forest development and even wildlife.
52
Results
Picture 2: Soil stoniness
Soil fertility
Soil fertility is one of the main soil resources available in the study area especially for
agropastoralism. According to laboratory results (Table 18) the soils of the study area are
below the standard deficiency level (see Annex 2) which clearly shows the poor fertility
status of the different soil classes.
Table 18: Fertility levels
SOIL FERTILITY LEVELS SALINITY CALCIUM

CLASS Organic matter Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium pH CARBONATE
Vertisols Deficient Deficient Deficient Low Moderately Non saline to Strongly
to strongly slightly saline calcareous
Fluvisols Deficient Deficient Deficient to Low Moderately Non saline Strongly
rarely to strongly calcareous
adequate
Calcisols Deficient Deficient Deficient to Low Moderately Non saline Strongly
adequate alkaline calcareous
Cambisols Deficient Deficient Adequate Low Moderately Non saline Strongly
alkaline calcareous
Regosols Deficient Deficient Deficient Low Moderately Non saline Calcareous to
alkaline strongly
calcareous
Arenosols Deficient Deficient Deficient Moderate Strongly Non saline Calcareous to
to high alkaline strongly
calcareous
Leptosols* *not analyzed due to their natural limitations for sampling.
Solonchack Deficient Deficient Deficient Low Strongly Saline to Strongly
alkaline strongly calcareous
saline
Fertility problems occur in all soil classes in the study area but particularly in those used
for agriculture, due to the unfavourable arid and semi-arid environment and also the fact
that farmers do not replace minerals taken from the soil after harvest. Very few or no
mineral or organic fertilizers are used, and available manure is kept outside fields
because farmers feel that incorporating fresh manure into fields causes the appearance
of weeds, making farming more difficult. They also fear the ticks that are present in the
manure (Picture 3).
53
Results
All soil classes in the study area are calcareous due to the underlying parent material.
This fact doesnt have significant implications for the soil behaviour as such, but these
soils are vulnerable to soil erosion because of their physical and chemical properties.
Salinity is not a problem in the area, with the exception of two small areas in the
southern part where saline soils are found.
Picture 3: Available manure that is not used in the fields
54
Conclusions and Recommendations
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study produced soil data using a multiscale and multi-user approach so that users
dealing with natural resources management and other applications might make ready use
of the different types of soil data presented here.
Most soils in the study area belong to a class denoting very limited soil development.
45% of the study area is composed by rocky/stony soils which have limitated use for
agriculture. The origins of these type of soils are due to their natural geographic context
expressed by a hilly terrain and arid climate, and to some human activities which further
diminish the existing limited soil resources.
Soil stoniness is a common feature in the study area, particularly where soil erosion is
high both in extent and severity. It is advisable that this process be studied in detail
under a comprehensive Land Degradation Assessment of the study area. This will
determine the main causes and will also find integrated solutions as part of a Natural
Resources Management (NRM) strategy.
Soil fertility in the study area is low. Soils are being degraded continuously in the agro-
pastoral areas, where almost no organic or inorganic fertilizers are applied. Present and
future extension service activities should include the creation of awareness amongst
farmers of serious declining soil fertility, and development of strategies to improve
practices in the present farming systems. Research into the management and application
of manure appropriate for the area is required.
A soil management strategy should be proposed in relation to a NRM strategy that can
later be adopted by land users in the study area, otherwise soil degradation will continue
to increase both in extent and severity, resulting in very low productivity and direct
negative effects in terms of socio-economic and environmental status.
55
Bibliography
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. McKenzie, N.J.; Ryan, P.J., Spatial prediction of soil properties using

environmental correlation. Geoderma, 1999. 89(1/2): p. 67-94.
2. SOGREAH Consulting Engineers. 1982. Soil Survey. North-West Region
Agricultural Development Project. Feasibility Study and Technical Assistance.
Somali Democratic Republic. Ministry of Agriculture. Grenoble-France. Somalia.
3. Sir William Halcrow & Partners. 1982. Northern Rangeland Development Project.
Report on soils in the project area. Somali Democratic Republic. National Range
Agency. London.
4. Heuvelink, G.B.M, Error propagation in quantitative spatial modelling: applications
in Geographical Information Systems. Netherlands Geographical Studies 163,
1993: p. 151.
5. Avery, B.W., Soil survey methods: a review, in Technical Monograph. 1987:
Silsoe: Soil Survey & Land Resource Centre. p. 86.
6. Dent, D. and A. Young, 1981.Soil survey and land evaluationGeorge Allen &Unwin
London, England.
7. Scull, P., et al, Predictive soil mapping: a review. Progress in Physical Geography,
2003. 27(2): p. 171-197.
8. Pedometrics. Didital Soil Mapping. 2005 [cited; Available from:
http://www.digitalsoilmapping.org.
9. A.X.Zhu, L.E. Band, B. Dutton and T. Nimlos, Automated Soil Inference Under
Fuzzy Logic. Ecological Modelling, 1996. 91(2): p. 123-145.
10. Zhu, A.X., Burton, J.,, SoLIM. 2006, Solim Lab-University of Wisconsin:
Wisconsin, USA.
11. Jenny, H., 1941.Factors of soil formation - a system of quantitative
pedologyMcGraw-Hill New York. 281.
12. Zhu, A.X. Soil Mapping using GIS, Expert Knowledge & Fuzzy Logic. in SOLIM
Workshop. 2001.
13. Bui, Elisabeth., Soil survey as a knowledge system. Geoderma, 2004. 120(2004):
p. 17-26.
14. Skidemore, A.K., Watford, F., Luckananurug, P., Ryan, P.J.,, An operational GIS
expert system for mapping forest soils. . Photogrammetric Engineering and
Remote Sensing, 1996. 62: p. 501-511.
15. Michaelsen, J., Schimel, D.S., Friedl, M.A., Davis, F.W. and Dubayah, R.C.,,
Regression tree analysis of satellite and terrain data to guide vegetation sampling
and surveys. Journal of Vegetation Science, 1994. 5: p. 673-686.
16. Zinck, J.A., 1988.Physiography & soils. ITC Lecture Notes SOL 41 Enschede, The
Netherlands.
17. Paron, P., Vargas, R.,. 2006. Landform mapping of Somalia. Integrated
Landform mapping approach at semi-detailed scale using remote sensing and GIS
techniques. FAO-SWALIM. Nairobi, Kenya.
18. FAO-SWALIM PROJECT. 2006. Field Survey Manual. Land team. Nairobi,
Kenya.
19. WRB, IUSS Working Group, 1998.World Reference Base for Soil Resources. . First
ed. World Soil Resources Reports. Vol. 84.Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations Rome, Italy. 87.
20. FAO-CSIC, Base de Datos Multilingue de perfiles de Suelos (SDBmPlus). 2002:
Sevilla, Espana-Roma, Italia.
21. WRB, IUSS Working Group, 2006.World Reference Base for Soil Resources.
Second ed. World Soil Resources Reports. Vol. 103.Food and Agriculture
Organization if the United Nations Rome, Italy. 127.
22. Van Wambeke, A., Hastings, P., and Tolomeo, M.,, Newhall Simulation Model.
1986, Department of Agronomy, Bradfield Hall. Cornell University: Ithaca, NY.
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23. Jenness, J., Random Point Generator. 2005, Jenness Enterprises.

24. TAMS. 1986. Background and Watershed Management, Final Report. Volume I.
Pilot Watershed Management for Soil and Water Conservation and Smal Garden
Development. North West Region Agricultural Development Project. New York,
USA- Hargeisa, Somali Democratic Republic.
57
Annexes
ANNEXES
Annex 2: Soil analysis laboratory results
Annex 3: Soil profile description
58
Annexes
Annex 2: Ranges for the soil attributes assessment
Deficiency Adequate Excessive

Nutrient Reference
level level level
PROFILE AND
TRANSECT CODE
SOILS
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE SOIL SURFACE
HORIZON 1 2 3 4 5
DATE OF DESCRIPTION: COORDINATES LANDFORM UNIT
LOWER BOUNDARY X
SURVEYOR: According to map:
DISTIN TOPO Y
DISTIN TOPO DISTIN TOPO DISTIN TOPO DISTIN TOPO
Prescence of salt crusts
LOCATION: According to field:
BOUNDARY
Elevation: Slope:
MOISTURE STATUS
SURFACE CRUSTING/SEALING
LITHOLOGY SURFACE HUMIDITY SOIL DRAINAGE
COLOUR (moist) CLASS
COLOUR (dry)
AB SZ SH AB SZ SH AB SZ SH AB SZSURFACE
SH STONINESS
AB SZ SH
ROCK PRESENCE
FRAGMENTSOF SALTS PRESENCE OF CRACKS
ROCK OUTCROPS
TEXTURE
TP SZ GR TP SZ GR TP SZ GR TP SZ GR TP SZ GR
SOIL PROFILE
STRUCTURE SOIL EROSION CLASS:
CACO3(HCL)
SOIL EROSION SEVERITY:
pH
cm 0
ELECTRIC SOIL EROSION EXTENT:
CONDUCTIVITY
25 MATTER
ORGANIC
LAND USE:
ABUN SZ ABUN SZ ABUN SZ ABUN SZ ABUN SZ
ROOTS
50
AB LOC NAT AB LOC NAT AB VEGETATION:
LOC NAT AB LOC NAT AB LOC NAT
COATINGS
75 MICRORELIEF:
AB SZ LIM AB SZ LIM AB SZ LIM AB SZ LIM AB SZ LIM
MOTTLES
100 FLOODING:
Colour
125 NAT ST CO NAT ST CO NAT ST CO NAT ST CO NAT ST CO

CEMENTATION Draw a transect and the position where your profile
is located.
SZ-SH AB K/N SZ-SH AB K/N SZ-SH AB K/N SZ-SH AB K/N SZ-SH AB K/N
150
MINERAL
CONCENTRATIONS
TP SZ AB TP SZ AB TP SZ AB TP SZ AB TP SZ AB
175 VOIDS
200
POROSITY
ABUN KIN ABUN KIN ABUN KIN ABUN KIN ABUN KIND
BIOLOGICAL
59
WRB SOIL CLASIFICATION
FEATURES
Annexes
Phosphorus (Olsen Olsen and Dean

method) (ppm) < 10 10.0-15.0 > 15.0 (1965)
Landon J. R.
Total nitrogen (%) < 0.2 0.2-0.5 > 0.5 (1991)
Total organic carbon < 1.33

(%) 1.33-2.65 2.66-5.32 > 5.32 NARL
moderate
pH Rating Reference
Landon J. R. (ed.) 1991. Booker
Below 4.5 Extremely acid
tropical soil manual.
4.5 - 4.9 Strongly acid Modified for NARL
5.0 - 5.9 Moderately acid
6.0 - 6.6 Slightly acid
6.7 - 6.9 Near neutral
7.0 - 7.4 Slightly alkaline
7.5 - 8.4 Moderately alkaline
8.5 - 8.9 Strongly alkaline
Above 9.0 Extremely alkaline
EC mS/cm Classification Reference

Kenya Soil Survey Staff.
0 - 1.2 non saline
Manual for soil survey and
1.2 - 2.5 slightly saline land evaluation. Miscellaneous
soil paper No. M24, 1987
2.5 - 5.0 moderately saline
5.0 - 10.0 strongly saline
> 10.0 excessively saline
Carbonate content % Carbonate class Reference

Kenya Soil Survey Staff.
< 0.5 Trace
Manual for soil survey and land
0.5 - 2 Slightly calcareous evaluation. Miscellaneous soil
paper No. M24, 1987
2-5 Calcareous
>5 Strongly calcareous
CEC me/100g Rating Reference

Landon J. R. (ed.) 1991. Booker
> 40 Very high
tropical soil manual.
25 - 40 High
15 - 25 Medium
5 - 15 Low
<5 Very low
Annex 3: Soil profile descriptions
ual Soil ProfiSOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
60
Annexes
Profile code : 20 Date : 2006-05-23
Location : Sararka Coordinates : 0956'54" / 4305'28"

Authors : Ronald Vargas Soil climate : Aridic
WRB 2006 Soil classification: Haplic Regosol Land form : Valley
(Skeletic)
Land use : Animal husbandry Drainage : Excessively
Effective soil depth: 0 -25cm Moisture conditions : Dry
Rock outcrops : Few
Surface stoniness : Dominant UTM coordinates: 290726 - 1100306
Remarks : Profiles are impossible because this soil is dominated by stones. Usually
located in valleys surrounded by hills. Soil erodes away due to overgrazing.
Rock outcrops are present. The area is used for grazing and many succulent
plants are present. Mineral soil with lithic contact developed in sandstone with
highly CaCO3 and metamorphic rocks. This soil type is spread through the
whole area.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
BULK DENSITY
3
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual S SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Lebida Coordinates : 1005'14" / 4346'23"
61
Annexes
Authors : Omar Haji Duale Soil climate : Aridic

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Lithic Leptosol Land form : Hill
FAO 90 classification : Land element : Slope
Effective soil depth: 0 -25cm Drainage : Well
Rock outcrops : Common Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : This soil is found under a basement complex material in hilland. There are no
salts and the presence of rock outcrops is usual. There is a very little soil
development between the rocks. The site corresponds to the shoulder of the
slope.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3)
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
SDBm Pll Soil Pro SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Between Garbada and Ali Haydh Coordinates : 1003'47" / 4347'29"

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Lithic Leptosol Land form : Mountain
62
Annexes
FAO 90 classification : Land element : Slope

Rock outcrops : Abundant Moisture conditions : Dry
Surface stoniness : Dominant UTM coordinates: 367560 - 1112638.
Remarks : Mountain block, ridge, upper slope. The parent material is basement complex.
with little or no soil development taking place. The specific position where the
soil was described is the Backslope.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
63
Annexes
l Soil Prof SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Cali Xayolh Coordinates : 1001'09" / 4346'53"

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Mountain
Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Common Land element : Ridge
Surface stoniness : Dominant Drainage : Well
Moisture conditions : Dry
UTM coordinates: 366453 - 1107790
Remarks : Soil located in a mountain, dissected ridge and iniated in a basement complex.
There is insignificant soil development.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Position
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
m Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soi SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
64
Annexes
Location : Hadha Godan Coordinates : 1015'57" / 4313'56"

Authors : Musse Shaie Soil climate : Aridic
WRB 2006 Soil classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Hill
Leptosol
Effective soil depth: 0 -25cm Drainage : Excessively
Remarks : No soil at the site, plenty of large boulders, but small quantities of soil can be
found in spaces between the rocks. The lithology consists of limestone in a
hill/ridge.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-50 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%) Position
CaCO3 (%)
m Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Prof SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
65
Annexes
Location : Near Qohyeed Coordinates : 1248'32" / 4300'11"

WRB 2006Soil Classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Hill
Leptosol
Effective soil depth: 0 -25cm Land element : Ridge
Rock outcrops : Common Drainage : Well
Surface stoniness : Dominant Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Lithology is sandstone, and the site is located in the shoulder. Very little soil
development, partly as a result of soil erosion due to overgrazing.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%) Position
Bm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Pro SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Near Bown Coordinates : 1011'17" / 4304'58"

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Haplic Regosol Land form : Pediment
(Skeletic)
66
Annexes
Land use : Not used and not managed Land element : Slope
Rock outcrops : Very few Moisture conditions : Dry
Surface stoniness : Dominant Vegetation : Xeromorphic shrub
Remarks : This is a slightly-developed soil located in a Piedmont/Planation surface.
Grazing is the land use.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-12 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
67
Annexes
ingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Xeego Coordinates : 1004'35" / 4316'03"

WRB2006 Soil classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Pediment
Leptosol
UTM coordinates: 310171 1114385
Remarks : Very little soil development, in a Piedmont/pediment. Boulders and stones are
present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Position
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
68
Annexes
Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual So SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Xeego Coordinates : 1004'39" / 4316'15"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Pediment
Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Many Moisture conditions : Dry
Surface stoniness : Abundant UTM coordinates: 310527 - 114503
Remarks : Soil with no development located in a Piedmont, pediment.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Position
+
K
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
69
Annexes
DBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multili SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Dudwayne Coordinates : 0944'51" / 4321'52"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Plateau
Lithic Leptosol (Calcaric)
Surface stoniness : Many Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Little soil developement, in a plateau/hill complex under limestone.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-25 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Position
+
K
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Bm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil

SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION Profile Database
Location : Xiriiro, west of Ali Xayah Coordinates : 1001'28" / 4342'51"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Hill
Leptosol
Surface stoniness : Common Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Stony soil located in a Hilland/hill complex. No soil development is present.
70
Annexes
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
71
Annexes
CSIC Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Carra Garanug Coordinates : 0957'52" / 4309'02"

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Hyperskeletic Land form : Pediment
Leptosol
UTM coordinates: 297269 - 1102062.
Remarks : Gravelly surface located in a Piedmont/Pediment, denudational surface.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g) Position
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
72
Annexes
Bm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual S SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Fulunful Coordinates : 0959'36" / 4307'53"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Leptosol Land form : Mountain
(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Abundant Drainage : Well
Remarks : Located in a mountain/dissected ridge.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
Position
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
73
Annexes
FAO-CSIC Multilingual S SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Toon-maadhyaal Coordinates : 0921'02" / 4410'14"

Authors : Ronald Vargas Land form : Plateau
WRB 2006 Soil classification: Hyperskeletic Land element : Slope
Leptosol
Remarks : This profile is located in the denudational surface of the plateau. The entire
profile is full of stones and very little soil can be found down to 20 cm. There is
evidence of soil erosion. Is a shoat grazing area.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-15 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+ Profile
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
74
Annexes
Location : Galnidhiqeed Coordinates : 0959'53" / 4400'37"

Lithic Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Dominant Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : No soil profile development, the parent material is mica and schist located in a
Dissected Plateau/Pediment. Rocky soil.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+ Position
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
SDBm O-CSIC Multilingual So SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
75
Annexes
Location : Illinta Qoryale Coordinates : 0957'55" / 4401'36"

Leptosol
Remarks : Dissected plateau/hill complex. The parent material of this undeveloped soil is
conglomerate. No cracks or salts are present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%) Profile
SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingua SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
76
Annexes
Location : Gacan Waashay Coordinates : 1002'14" / 4406'22"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Regosol Land form : Plateau
(Skeletic)
Rock outcrops : Few Drainage : Excessively
Remarks : Dissected plateau/Pediment, marginal grazing land. Soil observation located in
a toeslope formed by basalt.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
Location : Diingal Coordinates : 0941'51" / 4421'50"

77
Annexes

Leptosol
Surface stoniness : Dominant Drainage : Excessively
Remarks : Stony soil with no profile under sandstone. Located in a Piedmont/Badland.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
78
Annexes
us. FAO-CSIC Multilingu SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : East Agabar Coordinates : 0952'34" / 4358'41"

Authors : Ali Ibrahim Ismail, Omar Haji Duale Soil climate : Aridic
Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Few Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Undeveloped soil located in a Piedmont/denudational surface under tuff parent

rock. No samples.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+ Position
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
79
Annexes
SIC Multilingual Soil P SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Agabar Coordinates : 0956'03" / 4354'49"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Ali Ibrahim Ismail Soil climate : Aridic
Leptosol
Remarks : Undeveloped soil under complex parent material composed of sandstones

located in a piedmont/dissected ridge.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+ Position
+
Na
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
80
Annexes
Location : North of Agabar Coordinates : 1002'24" / 4354'21"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Regosol Land form : Mountain
(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Dominant Drainage : Excessively
Remarks : Very little-developed soil located in a Mountain/Dissected ridge under a
complex parent material.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
Position
K+
+
Na
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
81
Annexes
DBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Prof

SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION e Database
Location : North of Dirato Coordinates : 0948'09" / 4401'01"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Regosol Land form : Pediment
(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Abundant UTM coordinates: 392178 - 1083747
Remarks : This soil observation is located in a Piedmont/Denudational surface under

limestone and granite parent material.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Position
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
m Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual So SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
82
Annexes
Location : North of Illinta Dhexe Coordinates : 1001'22" / 4407'43"

Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Nil Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/Pediment under sandstone

parent rock.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+ Profile
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
-CSIC Multilingual So SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
83
Annexes
Location : North of Cunagabad Coordinates : 0927'14" / 4400'39"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Musse Shaie Soil climate : Aridic
(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Common UTM coordinates: 391422 - 1045205
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/denudational surface under

limestone.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+ Position
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Multilingual Soil Pr of SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
84
Annexes
Location : South of Hargeisa Coordinates : 0928'46" / 4401'06"

(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Many UTM coordinates: 392237 - 1048008
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Plateau/mesa under limestone parent rock.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-50 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%) Profile
SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multili Soil Profil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : South of Canagabad Coordinates : 0923'06" / 4358'54"

85
Annexes

(Skeletic)
Surface stoniness : Many UTM coordinates: 388196 - 1037591
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/denudational surface under

limestone.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Profi SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Sharmaarke Coordinates : 0923'53" / 4412'43"

Authors : Ali Ibrahim Ismail Soil climate : Aridic
Leptosol
86
Annexes

Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/Denudational surface under

limestone parent rock.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Position
87
Annexes
Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Pro SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Fahda Coordinates : 0928'47" / 4353'31"

(Skeletic).
Rock outcrops : Few Drainage : Excessively
Remarks : Soil observation located in a limestone parent rock in a Dissected
plateau/Denudational surface.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+ Profile
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
AO-CSIC Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
88
Annexes
Location : Garyogol Coordinates : 0929'13" / 4352'03"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Lithic Leptosol Land form : Plateau
(Calcaric).
Effective soil depth: 0 -25cm: Drainage : Excessively
Surface stoniness : Dominant UTM coordinates: 375690-1048891
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/Denudational surface in a

limestone parent rock.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
ngual Soil Pr SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Harcadaad Coordinates : 0931'44" / 4346'35"
89
Annexes

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Lithic Leptosol Land form : Plateau
(Calcaric).
Remarks : Soil observation located in a Dissected plateau/Hill under limestone.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
Location : Xidhinta Coordinates : 0932'54" / 4343'30"

WRB 2006 Soil classification: Lithic Leptosol Land form : Plateau
(Calcaric).
90
Annexes
Horizon Depth cm
Description
R 0-20 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
tilingual Soil Profi SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Kalabaydh Coordinates : 0941'08" / 4328'17"

Leptosol
Rock outcrops : Nil Drainage : Excessively
UTM coordinates: 332301 1071046
91
Annexes
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
92
Annexes

Location : Toon-maadh Yaal Coordinates : 0921'47" / 4410'30"
Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Ronald Vargas, Ali Soil climate : Aridic
Ibrahim Ismail
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Vertisol
(Calcaric, Chromic).
Land use : Mixed farming Land form : Valley
Parent material : Alluvium
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Drainage : Moderately well
Rock outcrops : Nil Moisture conditions : Moist
Surface stoniness : Nil UTM coordinates: 409401 - 1035093
The area is covered by sinkholes and cracks.

Remarks :
Horizon Depth cm Description
A1 0-35 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (moist); no mottles; clay; moderate medium
subangular blocky structure; no cutans; many Voids fine; no rocks; strongly
calcareous; few biological activity; common fine roots; Field pH: 8.2; clear
smooth boundary.
A2 35-65 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) (moist); no mottles; clay; weak medium
subangular blocky structure; no cutans; medium porosity, many Voids fine; no
rocks; strongly calcareous; few biological activity; very few very fine roots; Field
pH: 8.4; gradual smooth boundary.
Bt 65-130 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4); no mottles ; clay; weak coarse subangular blocky
structure; common pressure faces; low porosity, very few Voids very coarse; no
rocks; strongly calcareous; few biological activity; very few very fine roots; Field
pH: 8.7.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bt
LOWER BOUNDARY 35 65 130
SAND % 28.0 24.0 24.0
SILT % 14.0 16.0 14.0
CLAY % 58.0 60.0 62.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.26 1.26 1.26
C (%) 0.60 0.50 0.30
N (%) 0.03 0.03 0.03
P (ppm) 8.90 35.50 11.50
pH 8.20 8.40 8.70
EC (mS/cm) 0.22 0.20 0.25
CEC (me/100g) 14.80 11.80 0.30
Ca++ 24.6 18.8 17.3
Mg++ 1.6 0.3 0.3
K+ 1.4 1.1 0.8
Na+ 2 1 2 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 28.00 30.00 31.00
P SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
93
Annexes
Location : Toon-maadhyaal Coordinates : 0921'21" / 4410'27"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Musse Shaie, Ali Land form : Valley
Ibrahim Ismail
WRB2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Vertisol Land element : Slope
(Chromic)
Land use : Shifting cultivation Drainage : Well
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Moisture conditions : Dry
Surface stoniness : Nil Vegetation : Grassland
Remarks : Very hard soil located at the talus slope of a valley, very close to profile 201.
Soil is clayed but is very compacted and dry, so, many properties were difficult
to see. Although the soil texture is clay, there is no evidence of cracks. Gilgai
microtopography was found.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-20 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles; clay; weak very fine granular
structure; no cutans; many Voids fine; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common
fine-medium roots; gradual smooth boundary.
A2 20-30 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles; clay; moderate medium granular
structure; no cutans; few Voids fine; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common
fine roots; gradual smooth boundary.
B1 30-50 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (dry); no mottles; clay; moderate medium
subangular blocky structure; many pressure faces; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; common very fine roots; gradual smooth
boundary.
B2 50-65 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles; clay; moderate medium angular blocky
structure; many pressure faces; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous;
common very fine roots; gradual smooth boundary.
C 65-130 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles; clay; massive structure; no cutans; no
voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 B1 B2 C
LOWER BOUNDARY 20 30 50 65 130
SAND % 38.0 24.0 24.0 20.0 22.0
SILT % 16.0 20.0 20.0 22.0 20.0
CLAY % 46.0 56.0 56.0 58.0 58.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.46 1.46 1.46 1.46 1.46
C (%) 0.70 0.50 0.70 0.40 0.40
N (%) 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03
P (ppm) 2.60 8.50 14.10 12.80 10.80
pH 8.30 8.10 8.20 8.20 8.20
EC (mS/cm) 0.23 0.98 1.30 1.50 2.20
CEC (me/100g) 16.20 17.80 17.60 17.60 16.60
Ca++ 22.5 25.8 24.1 15 19.4
Mg++ 2.2 2.6 4.4 3.1 4.4
K+ 1.9 1.2 1.2 0.7 0.52
Na+ 2 2 3 3 3
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 30.00 31.00 30.00 24.00 28.00
Profile
94
Annexes
ual SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Caloolane Coordinates : 1033'51" / 4404'26"

Authors : Musse Shaie, Omar Haji Duale, Ali Land form : Coastal plain
Ibrahim Ismail
WRB 20006 Soil Classification: Calcic Endosalic Drainage : Well
Fluvisol (Aridic, Siltic)
Land use : Animal husbandry Moisture conditions : Dry
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Vegetation : Xeromorphic forest
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Floodingis frequent. Presence of surface sealing and crusting. This profile is
located in the northern coastal plain, delta. Dried Xudhur sp. is common.
Toward the coast there are many well established Prosopsis sp.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-40 Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; silty clayloam; weak fine and medium
platy structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots;
clear wavy boundary.
E 40-60 Light grey (2.5Y 7/2) (dry); no mottles; siltloam; massive structure; no cutans;
no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots; clear smooth boundary.
B1 60-90 Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3) (dry); no mottles; siltloam; strong medium angular
blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots;
clear smooth boundary.
B2 90-110 Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; siltloam; massive structure; no cutans;
no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots; clear wavy boundary.
C1 110-120 Brown (10YR 5/3) (moist); no mottles; silty clay; massive structure; no cutans;
no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 E B1 B2 C1
SAND % 10.0 12.0 16.0 22.0 12.0
SILT % 52.0 74.0 60.0 64.0 46.0
CLAY % 38.0 14.0 24.0 14.0 42.0
TEXTURE CLASS SICL SIL SIL SIL SICL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35
C (%) 0.50 0.40 0.70 0.20 0.40
N (%) 0.04 0.05 0.11 0.02 0.04
P (ppm) 14.20 8.60 4.30 11.30 8.80
pH 8.30 7.90 7.70 8.20 7.90
EC (mS/cm) 1.30 4.07 8.91 3.73 10.60
CEC (me/100g) 15.60 7.40 21.10 6.30 14.00
Ca++ 19.5 28.1 24.3 14.3 17.5 Profile
Mg++ 1.7 2.9 0.4 1.6 3.1
K+ 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.3
Na+ 2 2 7 2 11
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 23.00 23.00 22.00 22.00 23.00
95
Annexes
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC
Location : Beeyo Macaan Coordinates : 1037'41" / 4401'25"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Ali Ibrahim, Ismail Soil climate : Aridic aridic
Musse Shaie
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Arenosol Land form : Coastal plain
(Calcaric, Aridic).
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Drainage : Well
Remarks : This profile is located in the northwest coastal plain, on the sandy coast of
Somalia. Grazing is the only land use present. No flooding hazard.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-25 Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; loamy sand; massive structure; no
cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; many very fine roots; clear
wavy boundary.
A2 25-75 Light grey (10YR 7/2) (dry); no mottles; loamy sand; massive structure; no
cutans; no voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; many very fine roots; clear
wavy boundary.
AC 75-85 Pale red (10R 7/2) (dry); no mottles; sand; massive structure; no cutans; no
voids; no rocks; slightly calcareous; many very fine roots; abrupt smooth
boundary.
C1 85-110 Light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) (dry); no mottles; loamy sand; massive
structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; slightly calcareous; very few medium
roots; abrupt smooth boundary.
C2 110-120 Light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) (dry); no mottles; sand; massive structure; no
cutans; no rocks; slightly calcareous; very few medium roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 AC C1 C2
SAND % 76.0 78.0 88.0 64.0 92.0
SILT % 18.0 16.0 8.0 28.0 4.0
CLAY % 6.0 6.0 4.0 8.0 4.0
TEXTURE CLASS LS LS S LS S
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60
C (%) 0.20 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
N (%) 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
P (ppm) 3.20 3.30 2.40 1.60 34.60
pH 8.80 8.80 9.20 9.80 10.00
EC (mS/cm) 0.08 0.07 0.15 0.40 0.40
CEC (me/100g) 1.30 0.70 0.60 2.70 1.10
Ca++ 6.6 10.5 11.9 12.9 11.7
Mg++ 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.3 Profile
K+ 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.2
+
Na 0 0.2 0.7 1 0.5
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 4.00 4.00 5.00 4.00 4.00
96
Annexes
SD SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Lurega Meygaaga Coordinates : 1023'01" / 4349'42"

Authors : Musse Shaie Land form : Pediment
WRB 2006Soil Classification: Haplic Regosol Drainage : Moderately well
(Calcaric, Aridic)
Rock outcrops : Nil
Surface stoniness : Few UTM coordinates: 371735 - 1148073
Remarks : Piedmont, alluvial plain. Grazing land use. Soils are very little developed under
Limestone. There are no salts and there are soil cracks (fine width and very
widely spaced). The landform is a braided valley.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-10 Brown (7.5YR 5/2) (moist) and Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; sandy
loam; massive structure; no cutans; ; few Voids medium; no rocks; slightly
calcareous; common fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
A2 10-65 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles ; sandy
loam; massive structure; no cutans; few Voids coarse; common fine and
medium subrounded rocks; moderately calcareous; few medium-coarse roots;
Ck 65-150 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no
mottles; sandy loam; massive structure; no cutans; very few Voids very coarse;
no rocks; strongly calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Ck
SAND % 74.0 76.0 72.0
SILT % 18.0 10.0 12.0
CLAY % 8.0 14.0 16.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL SL SL
C (%) 0.63 0.34 0.19
N (%) 0.05 0.03 0.03
P (ppm) 15.30 9.30 7.20
pH 8.10 8.10 8.30
EC (mS/cm) 0.28 0.14 0.12
CEC (me/100g) 6.60 7.80 23.80
Ca++ 11.8 17.7 13.7
Mg++ 1.1 1.2 1.4 Profile
K+ 1 0.3 0.3
Na+ 1 0.4 1
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 7.00 8.00 11.00
97
Annexes
S
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION DBm Plus. FAO-CSIC
Location : Ilka Weyn Colful Coordinates : 1020'54" / 4349'06"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Fluvisol Land form : Valley
(Calcaric, Skeletic).
Effective soil depth: 25-50cm Land element : Valley floor
Remarks : Grazing area in a valley, braided river plain. Soil influenced by the fluvial
deposits, where old alluvial materials are found. There are no salts and very
few soil cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 Pinkish grey (7.5YR 7/2) (dry); no mottles ; sandy loam; weak medium
subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; few Voids medium; common fine
angular rocks; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
C - .
HORIZON A
LOWER BOUNDARY 20
SAND % 54.0
SILT % 34.0
CLAY % 12.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.65
C (%) 0.82
N (%) 0.07
P (ppm) 10.30
pH 8.10
EC (mS/cm) 0.16
CEC (me/100g) 9.20
Ca++ 12
Mg++ 0.7
K+ 1.2 Profile
Na+ 1
PSB (%) 100
CaCO3 (%) 13.00
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION DBm Plus. FAO-CSIC
98
Annexes
Location : Diriye Malayste-West Garbadadar Coordinates : 1017'38" / 4338'36"

Authors : Musse Shaie Elevation : 466
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Fluvisol Land form : Pediment
(Calcaric, Aridic)
Remarks : Soil located in a piedmont, lower pediment, on a fluvial plain. No salts and
cracks. Calcium carbonate nodules or concretions present in second and third
horizons. Land use is grazing.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-20 Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (moist) and Light brown (7.5YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; sandy
loam; massive structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly
calcareous; common fine-medium roots; gradual wavy boundary.
C1 20-110 Dark brown to brown (10YR 4/3) (moist) and Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no
mottles; sandy loam; massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; common
calcareous concretions medium; strongly calcareous; clear wavy boundary.
C2 110-150 Dark brown to brown (10YR 4/3) (moist) and Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no
mottles; sandy loam; massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; common
calcareous concretions medium; strongly calcareous; gradual wavy boundary.
HORIZON A1 C1 C2
SAND % 68.0 66.0 78.0
SILT % 14.0 18.0 12.0
CLAY % 18.0 16.0 10.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL SL SL
C (%) 0.37 0.18 0.71
N (%) 0.01 0.01 0.01
P (ppm) 12.00 6.40 6.50
pH 8.30 8.40 9.00
EC (mS/cm) 0.11 0.12 0.16
CEC (me/100g) 11.10 9.90 17.90
Ca++ 11.2 9.9 18.3
Mg++ 0.6 0.7 1.6
K+ 0.5 0.1 0.1
Na+ 0.5 0.2 1
PSB (%) 100 100 100
CaCO3 (%) 9.00 10.00 8.00
Profile
99
Annexes
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual

Soil Profile Database
Location : Near Xalimale Coordinates : 1014'11" / 4310'32"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Fluvic Cambisol Land form : Pediment
(Calcaric, Dystric).
Remarks : Soil located in a Piedmont, pediment. Soil with no surface cracks or salts.
Shrubs and grazing area.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-15 Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) (dry); no mottles; sandy clayloam; moderate coarse
granular structure; no cutans; few Voids fine; no rocks; common nodules
calcareous fine; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; diffuse wavy boundary.
B 16-35 Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) (moist); clayloam; moderate fine granular structure;
common clay on pedfaces Cutans; few Voids fine; no rocks; few fine calcareous
nodules; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
C1 35-70 Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) (moist); no mottles; loam; moderate medium
subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few Voids fine; no rocks; very few
fine calcareous nodules; extremely calcareous; few very fine roots; gradual
smooth boundary.
C2 70-140 Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) (moist); no mottles; sandy clayloam; weak fine
subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few Voids very coarse; no rocks;
very few fine calcareous nodules; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; diffuse
wavy boundary.
HORIZON A B C1 C2
LOWER BOUNDARY 15 35 70 140
SAND % 52.0 40.0 36.0 50.0
SILT % 20.0 26.0 38.0 26.0
CLAY % 28.0 34.0 26.0 24.0
TEXTURE CLASS SCL CL LS SCL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.39
C (%) 0.47 0.57 0.38 0.39
N (%) 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.04
P (ppm) 7.70 7.80 7.70 7.40
pH 8.20 7.90 7.90 8.10
EC (mS/cm) 1.24 3.00 2.30 1.30
CEC (me/100g) 30.80 24.00 25.50 29.90
Ca++ 21.4 22.5 19.40 23.40
Mg++ 2.8 5.2 4.90 5.20
K+
Profile
0.2 0.3 0.20 0.20
+
Na 1 2 2.00 2.00
PSB (%) 84 100 100 100
CaCO3 (%) 14.00 16.00 14.00 10.00
100
Annexes
m SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Abu Qays Coordinates : 0956'06" / 4306'53"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Land form : Pediment
Vertisol (Epihyposodic).
Remarks : Soil developed in an old piedmont/pediment. Presence of some fine very

closely spaced cracks, from surface to depth of 90 cm.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-10 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no
mottles; weak fine granular structure; no cutans; few very fine Voids; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots; diffuse boundary.
A2 10-45 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist); no mottles; strong medium and
coarse prismatic structure; few clay on pedfaces Cutans; very few Voids fine
and very fine; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine roots; diffuse
b d
Bk 45-100 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; strong medium and coarse angular
and subangular blocky structure; many clay on pedfaces Cutans; ; very few
Voids fine and very fine; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bk
SAND % 52.0 24.0 18.0
SILT % 4.0 20.0 22.0
CLAY % 44.0 56.0 60.0
TEXTURE CLASS SC C C
C (%) 1.08 0.44 0.62
N (%) 0.09 0.03 0.06
P (ppm) 11.00 11.80 10.90
pH 8.15 8.04 8.13
EC (mS/cm) 0.14 0.24 2.07
CEC (me/100g) 39.22 18.16 26.22
Ca++ 36.22 86.29 20.31
Mg++ 3.68 4.57 7.95 Profile
K+ 0.91 0.57 0.60
Na+ 3.97 1.60 1.03
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 25.65 34.15 28.15
101
Annexes
SD SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Xeeqo Coordinates : 1004'45" / 4316'13"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Vertic Calcisol Land form : Pediment
(Aridic, Clayic).
Surface stoniness : Very few UTM coordinates: 310471 - 1114683
Remarks : Piedmont, pediment. Presence of fine and very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ak1 0-10 Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) mottled (dry); no mottles ; weak fine subangular blocky
structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; dominant very fine
calcareous concretions; extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots;
diffuse smooth boundary.
Ak2 10-20 Weak red (2.5YR 5/2) (dry); no mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky
structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; dominant nodules
calcareous very fine; extremely calcareous; common medium roots; gradual
smooth boundary.
Ck3 20-90 Light red (10R 7/6) (dry); no mottles; strong very coarse platy structure;
dominant clay on pedfaces Cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
dominant calcareous very fine; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots.
HORIZON A1k A2k Ck

SAND % 18.0 22.0 34.0
SILT % 34.0 20.0 18.0
CLAY % 48.0 58.0 54.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 0.42 0.77 0.30
N (%) 0.04 0.06 0.02
P (ppm) 15.20 16.30 15.40
pH 8.15 8.03 8.14
EC (mS/cm) 0.78 0.33 0.58
CEC (me/100g) 19.12 26.39 11.60
Ca++ 72.84 32.84 112.74
Mg++ 3.82 0.47 4.46 Profile
K+ 0.79 1.03 0.28
Na+ 1.05 1.20 3.47
PSB (%) 100.0 100 100
CaCO3 (%) 36.65 27.65 28.15
102
Annexes
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC

Multilingual Soil Profile Database
Location : Dijaamaley Coordinates : 1000'13" / 4323'29"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Fluvisol Land form : Valley
(Aridic, Siltic).
Remarks : Soil developed under unconsolidated sediment in a Valley, braided river plain.
Fine and very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-35 Dark reddish grey (5YR 4/2) (moist); no mottles; weak fine subangular blocky
structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous;
many very fine roots; gradual smooth boundary.
A2 35-75 Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (moist); no mottles; moderate medium subangular
blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly
calcareous; common fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
C 75-150 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles ; massive structure; no
cutans; ; very few Voids medium; no rocks; few fine calcareous nodules;
strongly calcareous; common fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 C
SAND % 46.0 34.0 20.0
SILT % 34.0 42.0 42.0
CLAY % 20.0 24.0 38.0
TEXTURE CLASS L L SiCL
C (%) 0.85 0.61 0.57
N (%) 0.08 0.06 0.07
P (ppm) 10.00 8.80 6.80
pH 8.27 8.40 8.17
EC (mS/cm) 0.23 0.24 0.47
CEC (me/100g) 11.16 13.39 15.92
Ca++ 22.34 26.21 27.83
Mg++ 1.63 2.00 3.22 Profile
K+ 0.67 0.39 0.40
Na+ 0.77 0.60 0.70
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 8.15 12.65 13.65
S SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
103
Annexes
Location : Dhijaamley Coordinates : 0959'39" / 4323'05"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Luvic Calcisol Land form : Pediment
(Aridic, Siltic).
Remarks : Soil located in a Piedmont/pediment. Land use is grazing. There are no salts.
Fine very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-19 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Light brown (7.5YR 6/4) (dry); no mottles; weak
very fine granular structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
abundant nodules calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; many fine-
medium roots; gradual smooth boundary.
AB 19-35 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles;
moderate very fine granular structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; abundant nodules calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; many fine-
medium roots; gradual irregular boundary.
Bt 35-60 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (dry); no
mottles; strong fine and medium subangular blocky structure; abundant clay on
pedfaces Cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; abundant nodules
calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; common fine roots; diffuse
boundary.
Ck 60-120 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Light brown (7.5YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; abundant
nodules calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots.
HORIZON A1 AB Bt Ck
SAND % 52.0 44.0 40.0 40.0
SILT % 30.0 30.0 32.0 30.0
CLAY % 18.0 26.0 28.0 30.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL L CL CL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66
C (%) 0.65 0.66 0.64 0.59
N (%) 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.03
P (ppm) 11.70 11.60 15.60 12.40
pH 8.03 8.14 8.19 8.17
EC (mS/cm) 2.19 0.60 0.29 0.23
CEC (me/100g) 19.16 11.38 12.36 13.76
Ca++ 14.82 20.47 23.81 20.35
Mg++ 1.79 2.29 2.94 3.01
K+ 1.27 1.37 1.00 0.28 Profile
Na+ 0.97 2.00 2.53 2.17
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100 100
CaCO3 (%) 6.65 8.65 9.65 14.65
104
Annexes
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION Bm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual

Location : Jarahoroto Coordinates : 0949'49" / 4320'20"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Vertic Calcisol Land form : Plateau
(Aridic, Clayic).
Land use : Annual field cropping Drainage : Imperfect
Rock outcrops : Nil
Surface stoniness : Nil UTM coordinates: 317848-1087121
Remarks : Soil site located in a plateau, flat valley floor under unconsolidated sediments.
No salts but some fine very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles;
moderate fine and medium granular structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine roots; clear wavy
b d
Bt 15-60 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles ;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; few clay on pedfaces Cutans; ;
very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; many fine roots;
diff b d
Ck1 60-80 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (dry); no
mottles ; moderate coarse subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few,
very fine Voids; no rocks; common nodules calcareous fine; extremely
calcareous; very few very fine roots; gradual irregular boundary.
Ck2 80-145 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; many
nodules calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON Ap Bt Ck1 Ck2

SAND % 36.0 44.0 32.0 32.0
SILT % 16.0 16.0 18.0 16.0
CLAY % 48.0 40.0 50.0 52.0
TEXTURE CLASS C CL C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48
C (%) 1.16 0.80 0.87 0.60
N (%) 0.10 0.08 0.09 0.06
P (ppm) 10.80 10.20 9.60 14.70
pH 8.00 8.42 8.08 8.15
EC (mS/cm) 0.15 0.80 0.70 0.35
CEC (me/100g) 18.96 20.96 26.56 18.54
Ca++ 23.40 23.04 32.16 26.91 Profile
Mg++ 2.36 237.00 3.68 3.24
K+ 1.27 0.73 0.73 0.57
Na+ 1.23 0.57 0.73 0.70
PSB (%) 100 100 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 30.65 20.65 15.65 18.65
105
Annexes
Pl SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Ijaara Coordinates : 0934'04" / 4337'53"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale Musse Shaie Soil climate : Aridic
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Vertisol Land form : Plateau
(Calcaric, Hyposodic).
Land use : Agriculture Drainage : Imperfect
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Moisture conditions : Moist
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil located in a flat cultivated dissected plateau/denudational surface. Soil

with fine, very closely spaced cracks. The soil is very moist, so difficult to
determine soil structure.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist); no mottles; granular structure; no cutans; ; very few,
very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few burrows; many fine-
medium roots; diffuse boundary.
AB 15-40 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few burrows; many fine-medium roots;
diffuse boundary.
Bt1 40-75 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; angular blocky structure; common
clay on pedfaces Cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; common fine-medium roots; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt2 75-96 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; few fine calcareous nodules; extremely calcareous; common
fine and very fine roots; diffuse irregular boundary.
C 96-135 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist); no mottles; no
cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few fine and
very fine roots.
HORIZON Ap AB Bt1 Bt2 C

SAND % 32.0 28.0 26.0 20.0 20.0
SILT % 20.0 16.0 14.0 26.0 14.0
CLAY % 48.0 56.0 60.0 64.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.44
C (%) 1.20 0.98 0.91 0.66 0.44
N (%) 0.13 0.11 0.09 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 10.00 6.30 12.50 9.20 7.90
pH 8.13 8.06 8.20 8.29 8.51
EC (mS/cm) 0.58 0.58 2.98 0.30 1.80
CEC (me/100g) 16.88 21.11 21.98 22.56 22.12
Ca++ 25.25 38.99 20.19 22.56 17.08 Profile
Mg++ 3.10 4.72 6.41 9.23 8.22
K+ 1.57 1.15 1.00 0.53 0.78
Na+ 1.50 1.13 1.40 2.43 4.70
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 20.65 26.65 30.65 31.65 35.65
106
Annexes
SDBm SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Gebiley Coordinates : 0941'23" / 4338'42"

(Aridic, Clayic).
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Drainage : Imperfect
Rock outcrops : Nil Moisture conditions : Slightly moist
Remarks : Soil developed in a plateau/denudational surface. There is no presence of

cracks because is moist and also compacted.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; ;
many Voids fine and very fine; no rocks; strongly calcareous; many fine roots;
A2 15-28 Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (moist); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; ; many
Voids fine and very fine; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few fine-medium roots;
Bt1 28-65 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; massive structure; many clay
on pedfaces Cutans; no voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few fine roots;
Bt2k1 65-118 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist); massive structure; many clay on
pedfaces Cutans; no voids; no rocks; many calcareous concretions medium;
strongly calcareous; few fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
Ck2 118-150 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; dominant calcareous
concretions medium; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON Ap A2 Bt1 Bt2k1 Ck2

SAND % 54.0 52.0 40.0 32.0 60.0
SILT % 14.0 10.0 10.0 14.0 10.0
CLAY % 32.0 38.0 50.0 54.0 30.0
TEXTURE CLASS SCL SC C C SC
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45
C (%) 0.60 0.56 0.72 0.52 0.39
N (%) 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.05 0.03
P (ppm) 7.20 17.40 6.10 6.40 39.40
pH 8.26 8.14 8.26 8.33 8.58
EC (mS/cm) 0.22 0.52 0.25 0.30 1.16
CEC (me/100g) 15.60 8.68 15.62 12.99 10.64
Ca++ 15.11 32.21 17.50 10.99 11.18 Profile
Mg++ 2.69 2.13 2.20 2.07 3.04
K+ 1.16 0.72 0.71 0.64 0.58
Na+ 0.80 0.75 0.75 0.80 1.45
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 12.50 12.50 20.00 26.50 31.00
SDB SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
107
Annexes
Location : Ijjara Coordinates : 0935'35" / 4338'04"

(Aridic, Clayic).
Land use : Agriculture Drainage : Moderately well
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil developed in a plateau/denudational surface under limestone. Fallow

agricultural land. Fine very closely spaced cracks. No salts are present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-20 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles; weak
very fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
strongly calcareous; many fine-medium roots; clear wavy boundary.
A2 20-42 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles ;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; few fine calcareous nodules; strongly calcareous; few
earthworms; few medium roots; clear wavy boundary.
C1 42-65 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; many calcareous concretions medium; extremely calcareous; no roots;
clear irregular boundary.
C2k 65-150 Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) (dry); massive
structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; abundant calcareous
concretions medium; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 C1 C2k
SAND % 30.0 44.0 36.0 40.0
SILT % 14.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
CLAY % 56.0 44.0 52.0 48.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65
C (%) 0.58 0.71 0.44 0.26
N (%) 0.08 0.07 0.04 0.02
P (ppm) 7.00 7.20 6.50 11.30
pH 8.37 8.22 8.35 8.17
EC (mS/cm) 0.16 0.52 0.35 0.29
CEC (me/100g) 12.00 18.60 16.40 11.00
Ca++ 15.03 42.05 24.53 9.61
Mg++ 2.51 3.24 4.58 1.30
K+ 0.56 0.56 0.40 0.40
Na+ 1.45 0.85 0.85 0.95 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 13.00 21.50 30.00 29.50
108
Annexes
SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC M

SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION ultilingual Soil Profile
Location : North of Laaye Coordinates : 0931'43" / 4336'27"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Vertisol Land form : Pediment
(Calcaric, Hyposalic)
Effective soil depth: 50-100cm Drainage : Poor
Remarks : Soil profile located in a piedmont/denudational slope composed of alluvial clay.

Fine very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-10 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; strongly calcareous; many fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
strong medium and coarse subangular prismatic structure; no cutans; few Voids
coarse; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few coarse roots; clear smooth boundary.
Bt1 40-75 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no
mottles; strong medium prismatic structure; abundant clay on pedfaces Cutans;
very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few fine roots; clear
wavy boundary.
Bt2 75-100 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no
mottles; massive structure; many clay on pedfaces Cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; few fine calcareous nodules; strongly calcareous; very few very
fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bt1 Bt2

LOWER BOUNDARY 10 40 75 >75
SAND % 30.0 30.0 28.0 72.0
SILT % 22.0 18.0 14.0 16.0
CLAY % 48.0 52.0 58.0 12.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C LS
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42
C (%) 1.56 1.06 0.87 0.87
N (%) 0.18 0.11 0.08 0.04
P (ppm) 30.40 9.30 14.70 9.90
pH 8.16 8.22 8.45 8.37
EC (mS/cm) 0.33 0.40 2.65 0.20
CEC (me/100g) 9.86 21.24 18.80 11.00
Ca++ 13.43 24.80 19.08 20.68
Mg++ 2.40 4.72 5.99 2.07
K+ 1.08 1.38 1.06 0.48
Na+ 1.05 1.65 3.00 0.50 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 23.50 25.00 26.00 22.00
109
Annexes
Location : Diini Goobaale Coordinates : 0925'29" / 4336'45"

(Calcaric, Hyposodic).
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Drainage : Imperfect
Remarks : Soil developed under a clayed parent material in piedmont/pediment.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
fine and medium granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; common medium roots; clear smooth boundary.
fine and medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few fine-medium roots; diffuse wavy
boundary.
Bt 45-80 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2)
(dry); no mottles; strong medium and coarse prismatic structure; many clay on
pedfaces Cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; few fine calcareous
nodules; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots; diffuse boundary.
Ck 80-140 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; few,very fine
calcareous nodules; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bt Ck
SAND % 30.0 28.0 28.0 20.0
SILT % 24.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
CLAY % 46.0 58.0 58.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.54
C (%) 1.56 0.59 0.88 0.51
N (%) 0.19 0.06 0.09 0.05
P (ppm) 22.60 12.60 22.30 13.90
pH 8.21 8.46 8.18 8.47
EC (mS/cm) 0.31 0.32 1.23 1.37
CEC (me/100g) 11.00 26.60 19.80 19.06
Ca++ 14.50 25.64 22.86 11.29
Mg++ 2.92 4.52 4.52 3.18
K+ 1.72 1.06 1.46 0.26 Profile
+
Na 1.50 1.75 1.45 1.85
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 87.0
CaCO3 (%) 27.00 20.00 25.00 30.00
110
Annexes
Location : Abusiin Coordinates : 0930'8" / 4347'46"

Vertisol (Calcaric).
Rock outcrops : Nil Drainage : Imperfect
Surface stoniness : Nil Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : This profile is similar to profile 121, with little more structural development
located in a Piedmont/denudational slope. Samples were not taken.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
fine and medium granular structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots; clear smooth
boundary.
A2 2041- Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles; weak fine and medium subangular blocky
structure; no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous;
few fine-medium roots; diffuse wavy boundary.
Btk 41-75 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist); no mottles; strong medium to very
coarse prismatic structure; many clay on pedfaces Cutans; ; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots; diffuse irregular
boundary.
C 75-100 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (moist); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; ;
very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Profile
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
111
Annexes
l SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Togwajale Coordinates : 0935'52" / 4320'57"

(Chromic).
Remarks : This soil profile is located in a piedmont/pediment where the parent material is
unconsolidated. Rainfed farms under fallow. The presence of cracks is
common; they are 1 cm wide and very closely spaced. No salt crusts are
present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-25 Very dark grey (7.5YR 3/1) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles ;
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; ; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many fine and very fine roots; gradual smooth boundary.
A2 25-45 Brown (7.5YR 5/2) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; common fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
Bt 45-80 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; abundant clay on pedfaces
Cutans; ; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; diffuse
boundary.
C 80-100 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very
few very fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bt C
SAND % 26.0 24.0 22.0 14.0
SILT % 38.0 10.0 8.0 12.0
CLAY % 36.0 66.0 70.0 74.0
TEXTURE CLASS CL C C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48
C (%) 0.74 0.81 0.63 0.46
N (%) 0.08 0.09 0.08 0.06
P (ppm) 8.60 6.80 4.70 16.10
pH 8.04 8.07 8.28 8.42
EC (mS/cm) 0.21 0.53 1.30 1.95
CEC (me/100g) 13.68 31.28 21.08 19.28
Ca++ 26.88 37.20 17.06 12.44 Profile
Mg++ 2.15 8.21 5.89 7.82
K+ 0.30 0.56 0.28 0.38
Na+ 0.45 1.10 1.50 2.55
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 16.35 23.35 30.85 31.85
112
Annexes
AOSOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Gogolwanaag Coordinates : 0939'28" / 4347'59"

(Aridic, Clayic).
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Dissected plateau/denudational surface. No surface

salts found. Soil cracks can be found, fine width and very closely spaced.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-23 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Dark reddish grey (5YR 4/2) (dry); no
mottles; weak fine granular structure; no cutans; ; no voids; no rocks; strongly
calcareous; few fine and very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
A2 23-45 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish grey (5YR 5/2) (dry); no mottles;
weak medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; no voids; no rocks;
strongly calcareous; very few very fine roots; gradual wavy boundary.
Ck1 45-65 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; abundant nodules calcareous
medium; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots; diffuse boundary.
Ck2 65-80 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans Voids; no rocks; dominant nodules calcareous
coarse; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Ck1 Ck2

SAND % 20.0 56.0 52.0 50.0
SILT % 12.0 4.0 6.0 6.0
CLAY % 68.0 40.0 42.0 44.0
TEXTURE CLASS C SC SC SC
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.39
C (%) 1.01 0.53 0.27 0.21
N (%) 0.14 0.06 0.05 0.03
P (ppm) 10.60 13.60 9.10 8.40
pH 8.08 8.23 8.23 8.30
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.27 0.45 0.55
CEC (me/100g) 30.88 14.28 14.48 11.08
Ca++ 34.66 30.18 38.48 23.72
Mg++ 4.02 3.92 4.68 4.96 Profile
K+ 1.18 0.24 0.30 0.24
Na+ 1.05 0.50 0.70 0.60
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 25.85 19.35 21.35 22.85
113
Annexes
Location : Carra Muse Case Coordinates : 0933'29" / 4350'19"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Land form : Plateau
Vertisol (Calcaric).
Remarks : There is no soil profile description because the surveyors considered that this
profile is similar to profile 124. Without soil samples, it was not considered as a
complete profile. Located on a dissected plateau/denudational surface.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-23 .
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++ Profile
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
114
Annexes
Location : Beeyo Baxday Coordinates : 0952'17" / 4405'41"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Hypercalcic Land form : Plateau
Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic).
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Drainage : Excessive
Surface stoniness : Few UTM coordinates: 400736 1091345
Remarks : Soil developed under limestone parent material located in a

Plateau/Denudational surface. The soil surface is eroded. No cracks or salts.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
ACk1 0-25 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles ;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; few Voids medium;
few medium rounded rocks; very few fine-medium roots; abrupt wavy boundary.
Ck2 25-40 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) (moist) and Light reddish brown (5YR 6/4) (dry); no
mottles; no cutans; no voids; many medium rounded rocks; abundant
calcareous concretions medium; extremely calcareous; no roots; abrupt wavy
b d
Ck3 40-175 Pink (5YR 8/4) (moist) and Pinkish white (5YR 8/2) (dry); no mottles ; no cutans;
; no voids; no rocks; dominant calcareous concretions medium; extremely
calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON ACk1 Ck2

LOWER BOUNDARY 25 40
SAND % 24.0 22.0
SILT % 34.0 36.0
CLAY % 42.0 42.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.36 1.36
C (%) 0.29 0.25
N (%) 0.04 0.09
P (ppm) 13.10 3.50
pH 8.27 7.87
EC (mS/cm) 0.25 3.50
CEC (me/100g) 17.32 16.28
Ca++
Profile
32.54 21.02
++
Mg 1.71 3.47
K+ 0.48 0.38
Na+ 0.95 0.50
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 26.85 31.35
SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Mu SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
115
Annexes
Location : Sabaad Coordinates : 0941'17" / 4419'23"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Endosalic Calcisol Land element : Slope
(Aridic, Clayic).
Drainage : Excessive
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Piedmont/Denudational surface. Lithology is limestone,
conglomerate.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-25 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no
mottles ; fine and medium granular structure; no cutans; ; few very fine Voids;
no rocks; slightly calcareous; common fine-medium roots; clear smooth
boundary.
Ck1 25-65 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles ; weak
medium and coarse prismatic structure; no cutans; ; few very fine Voids;
common fine rounded rocks; common calcareous concretions; strongly
calcareous; few fine roots; abrupt wavy boundary.
Ck2 65-80 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Pinkish white (7.5YR 8/2) (dry); no mottles ; no
cutans; ; no voids; many medium rounded rocks; dominant calcareous
concretions; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A Ck1 Ck2

SAND % 48.0 46.0 44.0
SILT % 12.0 12.0 12.0
CLAY % 40.0 42.0 44.0
TEXTURE CLASS SC SC C
C (%) 0.50 0.38 0.28
N (%) 0.05 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 5.60 2.70 4.40
pH 8.42 8.01 8.13
EC (mS/cm) 2.40 2.30 2.45
CEC (me/100g) 15.08 13.48 15.08
Ca++ 30.89 17.71 30.10
Mg++ 2.16 2.02 4.13
K+ 0.32 0.16 0.28 Profile
Na+ 1.20 0.85 1.80
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 20.35 25.85 30.85
Bm Plus. ngual SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION Soil Profile Database
Location : Burcada Coordinates : 0940'05" / 4416'09"
116
Annexes

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Calcisol Land element : Slope
(Episkeletic, Clayic)
Remarks : Young calcaric soil developed from Limestone & quartzite parent rocks located
in a Piedmont/Denudational surface. No cracks or salts.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
AC 0-25 Pink (7.5YR 7/3) (dry); no mottles; weak medium subangular blocky structure;
no cutans; many very fine Voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; common fine-
medium roots; clear wavy boundary.
Ck 25-75 Pink (7.5YR 8/4) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; few very fine
Voids; no rocks; dominant calcareous concretions medium; extremely
calcareous; few fine roots.
HORIZON Ac Ck
LOWER BOUNDARY 25 >75
SAND % 58.0 42.0
SILT % 8.0 16.0
CLAY % 34.0 42.0
TEXTURE CLASS SCL C
C (%) 0.43 0.42
N (%) 0.07 0.04
P (ppm) 2.20 2.20
pH 8.25 8.55
EC (mS/cm) 0.21 0.24
CEC (me/100g) 11.32 18.12
Ca++ 32.67 10.08
Mg++ 2.29 4.81
K+ 0.26 0.24
Na+ 0.45 0.70
PSB (%) 100.0 87.0
CaCO3 (%) 25.85 37.35
Profile
C Multilingual SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION Soil Profile Database
Location : Halleeya Coordinates : 0937'29" / 4411'30"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Regosol Drainage : Excessive
117
Annexes
(Calcaric, Arenic).
Rock outcrops : Nil Local soil classification (serie) :
Surface stoniness : Nil UTM coordinates: 411317 1064026
Remarks : This profile is located in a surface where local sand dunes are formed due to
wind erosion. Piedmont landscape and Gully/rill erosion surface relief. No soil
samples.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-140 Light brown (7.5YR 6/4) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans;
common Voids very coarse; no rocks; strongly calcareous; many fine roots;
abrupt smooth boundary.
c 140-160 Massive structure; no cutans; common Voids very coarse; no rocks; strongly
calcareous; common fine roots.
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
118
Annexes
Location : Halleeya Coordinates : 0935'31" / 4410'29"

(Aridic, Clayic).
Surface stoniness : Few Moisture conditions : Dry
Remarks : Soil developed from limestone parent rock in a Plateau/Denudational slope. No
salts; no cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Light brown (7.5YR 6/4) (dry); no mottles ; weak
fine and medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; many medium Voids
; few fine rounded rocks; extremely calcareous; few burrows; many coarse
roots; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt 20-75 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (dry);
strong coarse prismatic structure; no cutans; ; few very fine Voids; few fine
rounded rocks; extremely calcareous; few burrows; common medium-coarse
roots; gradual wavy boundary.
Ck 75-100 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
massive structure; no cutans; ; no voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few
fine roots.
HORIZON A Bt Ck
LOWER BOUNDARY 20 75 >75
SAND % 58.0 38.0 44.0
SILT % 10.0 10.0 8.0
CLAY % 32.0 52.0 48.0
TEXTURE CLASS SCL C C
C (%) 1.03 0.74 0.35
N (%) 0.08 0.09 0.04
P (ppm) 2.60 9.90 2.30
pH 8.11 8.10 8.24
EC (mS/cm) 0.24 0.40 0.29
CEC (me/100g) 20.12 23.08 13.68
Ca++ 21.35 18.31 36.62
Mg++ 1.45 2.67 2.41
K+ 1.04 0.92 0.52
Na+ 1.05 0.95 0.75 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 99.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 16.35 19.35 23.85

Location : Dhagax Galalaan Coordinates : 1013'29" / 4338'44"
Authors : Omar Haji Duale Ali Ibrahim Ismail Soil climate : Aridic
119
Annexes
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Fluvisol Land form : Pediment

(Calcaric, Aridic).
Effective soil depth: >150 Drainage : Well
Remarks : This soil is located in a Piedmont, dissected pediment, fluvial in origin due to
presence of many seasonal rivers. There are few soil cracks in the surface and
no salts. As for most of this area, the land is used for grazing.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-15 Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles; sandy loam; strong coarse granular
structure; no cutans; few Voids fine; no rocks; few fine calcareous nodules;
strongly calcareous; no roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
C 15-200 Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles ; sandy loam; massive structure; no cutans;
; very few, very fine Voids; few fine subrounded rocks; common nodules
calcareous coarse; strongly calcareous; very few very fine roots.
HORIZON A C
LOWER BOUNDARY 15 200
SAND % 72.0 74.0
SILT % 14.0 12.0
CLAY % 14.0 14.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL SL
C (%) 0.13 0.14
N (%) 0.02 0.01
P (ppm) 7.30 5.90
pH 8.50 8.40
EC (mS/cm) 0.12 2.48
CEC (me/100g) 11.20 14.10
Ca++ 14.5 16.4
Mg++ 1 1.8
K+ 0.5 0.2
Na+ 0.5 4
PSB (%) 100 100
CaCO3 (%) 8.00 6.00
Profile
P SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION

Location : Dabago Coordinates : 1006'16" / 4343'24"
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Fluvisol Land form : Valley
(Aridic, Arenic)
120
Annexes
Surface stoniness : Common UTM coordinates: 360137 - 1117240
Remarks : Soil located in a braided river plain. There are no salts or cracks. Purely sandy
soil.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-10 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Light brown (7.5YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; sand;
massive structure; no cutans; ; few Voids fine; slightly calcareous; few burrows;
common fine-medium roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
A2 10-45 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles; sand; no
cutans; ; few Voids fine; non calcareous; few burrows; common fine-medium
roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
C 45- Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (moist); no mottles; sand; massive structure; no cutans; ;
few Voids fine; few stones and boulders subrounded rocks; non calcareous;
very few very fine roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 C
SAND % 88.0 88.0 88.0
SILT % 8.0 6.0 6.0
CLAY % 4.0 6.0 6.0
TEXTURE CLASS S S S
C (%) 0.24 0.21 0.16
N (%) 0.02 0.02 0.01
P (ppm) 8.20 7.60 6.50
pH 8.40 8.50 8.50
EC (mS/cm) 0.07 0.07 0.10
CEC (me/100g) 10.50 23.30 11.90
Ca++ 5.3 10.2 12.8
Mg++ 0.3 0.4 0.3
K+ 0.2 0.2 0.1
Na+ 0.2 1 0.2
PSB (%) 56 49 100
CaCO3 (%) 2.00 1.00 5.00
Profile
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Annexes
FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil PSOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION rofile Database
Location : Hancadley Coordinates : 0954'50" / 4307'38"

(Dystric, Aridic)
Remarks : Soil developed under unconsolidated material located in a plateau/piedmont,

denudational slope.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-30 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (dry); no
mottles; massive structure; no cutans; few Voids medium; no rocks; moderately
calcareous; few burrows; common fine roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
A2 30-60 Very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; massive structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
strongly calcareous; many fine and very fine roots; gradual wavy boundary.
C1 60-125 Very dark grey (10YR 3/1) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no
mottles; massive structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
abundant nodules calcareous medium; strongly calcareous; few fine roots;
gradual wavy boundary.
C2 125-170 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist); no mottles; massive structure; no
cutans; very few, very fine Voids; common fine and medium rocks; slightly
HORIZON A1 A2 C1 C2
SAND % 66.0 60.0 62.0 72.0
SILT % 24.0 24.0 22.0 16.0
CLAY % 10.0 16.0 16.0 8.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL SL SL SL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.61 1.61 1.61 1.61
C (%) 0.51 0.64 0.63 0.31
N (%) 0.05 0.12 0.06 0.03
P (ppm) 13.50 8.50 13.70 0.50
pH 8.76 8.34 8.14 8.11
EC (mS/cm) 0.40 1.30 0.35 2.30
CEC (me/100g) 13.57 11.52 32.58 9.96
Ca++ 13.67 10.47 16.46 11.37
Mg++ 1.16 1.06 1.22 1.47
K+ 0.17 0.09 0.17 0.11
Na+ 0.36 0.10 0.36 0.10
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 56.0 100.0 Profile
CaCO3 (%) 5.65 5.65 11.15 4.65
122
Annexes
ilingu SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Badanbed Coordinates : 1010'33" / 4313'46"

Authors : Musse Shaie Land form : Valley
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Fluvisol Drainage : Excessively
(Calcaric, Aridic, Arenic).
Remarks : Soil developed under its bedrock limestone located in a Valley/braided river
plain. There are no cracks, no salts and no stoniness.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-35 Light brown (7.5YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; very
few Voids medium; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few burrows; common fine-
medium roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
C1 35-65 Brown (10YR 5/3) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; no voids; no
rocks; strongly calcareous; common fine roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
C2 65-94 Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; no
voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few medium-coarse roots; diffuse irregular
boundary.
C3 94-180 Pale brown (10YR 6/3) (dry); no mottles; massive structure; no cutans; no
voids; no rocks; strongly calcareous; few fine roots.
HORIZON A C1 C2 C3
SAND % 22.0 90.0 90.0 92.0
SILT % 16.0 4.0 4.0 6.0
CLAY % 62.0 6.0 6.0 2.0
TEXTURE CLASS C S S S
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30
C (%) 0.48 0.13 0.13 0.09
N (%) 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.00
P (ppm) 8.30 6.00 8.50 7.70
pH 8.53 8.61 8.51 8.61
EC (mS/cm) 1.51 0.28 0.26 0.30
CEC (me/100g) 23.86 5.40 6.60 10.60
Ca++ 14.56 8.61 8.88 10.57
Mg++ 7.85 1.33 0.79 0.96
K+ 0.70 0.12 0.18 0.18 Profile
Na+ 3.25 0.10 0.25 0.30
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 30.00 14.50 16.00 14.50
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION SDBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual

123
Annexes

Location : Shebeeley Coordinates : 0957'15" / 4306'36"
(Calcaric, Hyposodic)
Remarks : Soil located in a Piedmont/pediment as general unit; however, the facet is an

alluvial plain. No salts and very few cracks are present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-30 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles ; strong medium granular structure;
no cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; few fine subrounded rocks; extremely
calcareous; many medium-coarse roots; clear wavy boundary.
A2 30-70 Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (moist); no mottles; strong medium
subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans; few Voids fine; common
medium subrounded rocks; common nodules calcareous fine; extremely
calcareous; few fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
Btk 70-160 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; strong medium subangular and
angular blocky structure; common pressure face Cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; common nodules calcareous fine; extremely calcareous; very
few very fine roots.
C 160-170 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist); no mottles; moderate subangular and angular
blocky structure; very few pressure face Cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; strongly calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Btk C
SAND % 30.0 28.0 32.0 12.0
SILT % 22.0 22.0 22.0 28.0
CLAY % 48.0 50.0 46.0 60.0
BULK DENSITY 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38
3
C (%) 0.77 0.54 0.53 0.41
N (%) 0.10 0.10 0.04 0.06
P (ppm) 10.90 11.90 7.50 8.70
pH 8.25 8.32 8.28 8.80
EC (mS/cm) 1.04 0.45 0.21 0.39
CEC (me/100g) 19.80 29.18 24.20 14.53
Ca++ 16.88 8.08 26.80 21.26
Mg++ 4.54 3.57 1.12 7.70
K+ 0.10 0.80 1.06 0.86
Na+ 1.65 1.25 1.10 3.75
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 20.50 17.50 18.00 23.50 Profile
FAO-CSIC Multi
SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION lingual Soil Profile Database
124
Annexes

Location : Gadhgogol Coordinates : 0928'38" / 4350'23"
Authors : Ali Ibrahim Ismail, Musse Shaie, Omar Soil climate : Aridic
Haji Duale
(Chromic)
Remarks : Soil located in a Dissected plateau/Pediment. Few cracks are present but no
salt crusts. The soil profile is located in a flat floor valley.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles;
weak medium granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; many fine-medium roots; clear wavy boundary.
A2 15-45 Dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; weak medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very
fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots; clear
smooth boundary.
Btk 45-65 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2)
(dry); no mottles ; moderate medium angular blocky structure; many pressure
face Cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; few,very fine calcareous
nodules; extremely calcareous; few termite channels; few coarse roots; clear
smooth boundary.
Ck 65-130 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium angular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very
fine Voids; no rocks; abundant nodules calcareous coarse; extremely
HORIZON Ap A2 Btk Ck
SAND % 48.0 40.0 42.0 36.0
SILT % 10.0 10.0 4.0 8.0
CLAY % 42.0 50.0 54.0 56.0
TEXTURE CLASS SC C C C
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.39
C (%) 1.31 0.90 0.67 0.35
N (%) 0.15 0.13 0.11 0.04
P (ppm) 19.30 10.30 4.60 12.70
pH 8.01 7.86 8.07 8.38
EC (mS/cm) 0.70 1.20 0.65 0.65
CEC (me/100g) 19.08 18.88 22.08 16.08
Ca++ 31.85 25.89 37.50 23.43
Mg++ 1.93 3.36 5.54 4.35
K+ 1.24 0.92 0.58 0.32
Na+ 1.50 0.80 0.95 1.95
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 14.85 19.85 17.85 25.85 Profile
125
Annexes
ltilingual SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Abdisamad Coordinates : 0924'33" / 4348'49"

Authors : Musse Shaie, Ali Ibrahim Ismail, Omar Soil climate : Aridic
Haji Duale
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Drainage : Well
Vertisol (Hyposodic, Chromic).
Rock outcrops : Nil UTM coordinates: 369736-1040302
Surface stoniness : Nil
Remarks : Soil developed in a Piedmont/Denudational slope which parent material is a re-

deposited natural material. Very closely-spaced cracks of medium width are
present. No surface salts.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-20 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles;
weak medium granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many fine-medium roots; clear smooth boundary.
A2 20-39 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; few Voids
fine; no rocks; extremely calcareous; many fine-medium roots; diffuse
b d
Bt1 39-65 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
strong medium angular blocky structure; abundant pressure face Cutans; no
voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; many fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
Bt2 65-115 Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles;
strong coarse angular blocky structure; abundant pressure face Cutans; no
voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few fine-medium roots; clear smooth
boundary.
Ck 115-130 Reddish brown (2.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Yellowish red (5YR 4/6) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON Ap A2 Bt1 Bt2 Ck

LOWER BOUNDARY 20 39 65 115 >115
SAND % 42.0 28.0 26.0 26.0 18.0
SILT % 4.0 10.0 10.0 8.0 10.0
CLAY % 54.0 62.0 64.0 66.0 72.0
BULK DENSITY 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.39 1.39
3
C (%) 0.96 0.69 0.54 0.51 0.30
N (%) 0.09 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 10.30 10.90 11.80 8.00 7.70
pH 8.14 8.29 8.57 8.70 8.34
EC (mS/cm) 0.27 0.35 0.45 0.80 2.80
CEC (me/100g) 18.12 24.28 19.28 15.48 20.48
Ca++ 28.40 31.54 17.86 16.03 8.83
Mg++ 3.68 2.52 7.17 8.08 3.24
K+ 1.36 1.24 0.80 0.40 0.14
Na+ 1.45 1.60 2.45 3.30 2.10
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Profile
CaCO3 (%) 23.35 28.85 29.35 30.85 32.85
126
Annexes
Location : Allaybaday Coordinates : 0923'31" / 4331'52"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Mazic Land form : Alluvial plain
Vertisol (Bathyhyposodic, Bathyhyposalic).
Remarks : Parent material is silt, clay and loam located in a Piedmont/Alluvial plain. No
salt crusts are present, instead soil cracks of fine width and very closely spaced
are present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many very fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
A2 15-40 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; few very fine roots; clear smooth
boundary.
Bt 40-100 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (dry); no mottles;
strong coarse angular blocky structure; common pressure face Cutans; very
few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots;
diffuse smooth boundary.
moderate medium angular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 Bt C
SAND % 32.0 26.0 26.0 20.0
SILT % 8.0 12.0 8.0 8.0
CLAY % 60.0 62.0 66.0 72.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33
C (%) 0.92 0.77 0.55 0.40
N (%) 0.13 0.11 0.06 0.05
P (ppm) 8.90 8.30 5.90 4.60
pH 8.20 8.09 8.42 8.46
EC (mS/cm) 0.50 1.65 2.15 2.70
CEC (me/100g) 21.08 21.68 25.08 27.28
Ca++ 38.11 26.98 22.41 18.53
Mg++ 4.05 6.54 9.93 7.87
K+ 1.40 0.90 0.32 0.22
Na+ 1.70 1.95 1.95 2.15 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 24.85 28.35 30.85 33.35
127
Annexes
FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Wadda Makasuil Coordinates : 0922'16" / 4336'06"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Land form : Alluvial plain
Effective soil depth: 100-150cm Land element : Terrace
Rock outcrops : Nil Drainage : Moderately well
Remarks : Soil developed under clay, silt and loam in a Piedmont/Alluvial plain. Presence
of fine width and very closely spaced soil cracks. No salts.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
very fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; very few fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
B1 35-85 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles;
strong very coarse subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots; clear smooth
boundary.
B2 85-140 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (dry); no
mottles; strong medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very
fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 B1 B2
SAND % 32.0 26.0 28.0 24.0
SILT % 12.0 14.0 10.0 10.0
CLAY % 56.0 60.0 62.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45
C (%) 0.95 0.92 0.61 0.44
N (%) 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.05
P (ppm) 4.50 2.10 3.50 8.20
pH 8.19 8.20 8.70 8.78
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.35 0.40 0.90
CEC (me/100g) 25.07 25.48 22.28 14.08
Ca++ 37.22 30.23 27.17 13.63
Mg++ 3.27 4.43 9.49 10.93
K+ 1.30 0.98 0.44 0.16 Profile
Na+ 1.30 1.15 2.20 1.45
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 24.85 25.85 27.85 31.85
128
Annexes
DBm Plus. FAO-CSIC Multilingual So

SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION il Profile Database
Location : Seyla Galbeed Coordinates : 0918'18" / 4351'34"

Vertisol (Chromic).
Surface stoniness : Nil UTM coordinates:374743 - 1028780
Remarks : Parent material consists of gravel, clay and loam in a Piedmont/Pediment. No

salts but there are fine width and very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-23 Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (moist) and Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (dry); no
mottles ; moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; ; no voids; common
fine subrounded rocks; strongly calcareous; common fine roots; gradual smooth
boundary.
AB 23-40 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (dry);
no mottles ; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; no
voids; few fine subrounded rocks; common very fine calcareous concretions;
extremely calcareous; few fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
Btk 40-85 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2) (dry);
no mottles; strong medium subangular blocky structure; common pressure face
Cutans; no voids; no rocks; many very fine calcareous concretions; extremely
calcareous; no roots; diffuse boundary.
Ck 85-130 Dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no
rocks; abundant very fine calcareous concretions ; extremely calcareous; no
roots.
HORIZON A AB Btk Ck
SAND % 42.0 46.0 46.0 38.0
SILT % 6.0 4.0 6.0 10.0
CLAY % 52.0 50.0 48.0 52.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35
C (%) 0.56 0.66 0.50 0.40
N (%) 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.04
P (ppm) 8.30 11.90 5.20 5.10
pH 8.19 8.01 8.15 8.32
EC (mS/cm) 0.40 1.15 1.00 0.75
CEC (me/100g) 21.08 22.48 23.88 23.48
Ca++ 33.60 25.92 21.95 16.97
Mg++ 2.99 8.49 1.24 5.58
K+ 1.68 0.80 0.56 0.68
Na+ 1.80 0.80 0.70 1.95 Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 16.35 17.50 19.00 21.00
129
Annexes
SDBm Plus. FAO-CSling SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION ual Soil Profile Database
Location : Garabis Coordinates : 0925'60" / 4357'14"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Land form : Valley
Remarks : Soil developed under alluvium parent material located in a Valley/Pediment.

Soil covers without salt crusts and with fine width and very closely spaced
cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-15 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no
mottles; weak fine granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; few soft
segregation calcareous fine; extremely calcareous; many fine-medium roots;
A2 15-30 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks;
many soft segregation calcareous fine; extremely calcareous; few fine roots;
Btk 30-110 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no mottles;
strong medium angular and subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids;
no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
Ck 110-160 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles;
hard prismatic structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; common soft
segregation calcareous fine; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 B2k Ck
SAND % 26.0 30.0 20.0 64.0
SILT % 10.0 10.0 12.0 4.0
CLAY % 64.0 60.0 68.0 32.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C SCL
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35
C (%) 0.72 0.68 0.40 0.22
N (%) 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.04
P (ppm) 7.00 9.10 4.70 2.90
pH 8.23 8.49 8.63 8.34
EC (mS/cm) 0.29 0.40 1.55 1.60
CEC (me/100g) 25.08 26.48 20.08 7.28
Ca++ 37.82 34.01 18.12 12.34 Profile
Mg++ 5.11 6.18 5.45 2.12
K+ 1.68 1.76 0.48 0.20
Na+ 2.20 2.65 3.00 0.70
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 25.00 27.50 30.50 18.00
130
Annexes
i SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Sheik Moodhle Coordinates : 0921'22" / 4350'31"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Drainage : Well
Vertisol (Hyposalic, Hyposodic, Chromic)
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Piedmont/Denudational slope where the parent material
is an alluvium. No salts and fine width very closely spaced cracks are present.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; common very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; few very fine roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
Bk 25-85 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no
mottles; strong coarse subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans; no
voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots; clear smooth
boundary.
Ck 85-130 Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no mottles;
strong coarse subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans no voids; no
HORIZON A1 A2 Bk Ck
SAND % 42.0 34.0 34.0 26.0
SILT % 10.0 12.0 8.0 12.0
CLAY % 48.0 54.0 58.0 62.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53
C (%) 1.00 0.79 0.41 0.33
N (%) 0.10 0.09 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 9.70 5.70 1.50 2.80
pH 8.20 8.11 8.56 8.51
EC (mS/cm) 0.45 0.90 1.80 2.40
CEC (me/100g) 14.08 24.08 21.08 20.08
Ca++ 22.90 25.23 22.98 23.71
Mg++ 2.28 3.55 9.54 8.38
K+ 1.02 0.90 0.52 0.40 Profile
+
Na 1.20 1.20 2.60 2.70
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 19.50 23.50 25.50 30.00
131
Annexes
Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Daba Mayagaag Coordinates : 0916'49" / 4402'15"

Vertisol (Hyposodic, Chromic)
Remarks : Soil profile located in the toeslope of a piedmont/pediment. Fine width very
closely spaced cracks are present. No salt crusts.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A1 0-15 Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) (dry); no
mottles; weak fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; many very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
a2 15-20 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common very fine roots; diffuse smooth
boundary.
B 20-70 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no
mottles ; strong medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; very few, very
fine Voids; no rocks; few crystals salt fine; extremely calcareous; very few fine
roots; clear smooth boundary.
C 70-120 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no
mottles; medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; few crystals salt fine; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A1 A2 B C
SAND % 34.0 30.0 28.0 24.0
SILT % 16.0 14.0 14.0 10.0
CLAY % 50.0 56.0 58.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.55 1.55 1.55 1.55
C (%) 0.71 0.58 0.39 0.27
N (%) 0.06 0.07 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 8.30 8.30 5.10 4.70
pH 8.33 8.16 8.28 8.12
EC (mS/cm) 0.24 0.65 1.30 1.65
CEC (me/100g) 19.64 24.40 16.80 20.00
Ca++ 26.74 16.36 15.23 16.75
Mg++ 2.51 2.66 3.43 4.47
K+ 1.20 1.40 1.08 0.32 Profile
Na+ 1.40 1.80 1.25 2.65
PSB (%) 100.0 91.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 26.50 25.50 29.00 29.50
132
Annexes
Soil P SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION rofile Database
Location : Gumbur Shiikhdon Coordinates : 0938'32" / 4401'56"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Haplic Calcisol Land form : Plateau
(Aridic, Clayic).
Rock outcrops : Nil Drainage : Well
Remarks : Soil developed under limestone parent rock and located in a Dissected
Plateau/Denudational surface. Fine width very closely spaced cracks.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-35 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
B 35-75 Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (dry); no mottles;
few fine calcareous nodules; extremely calcareous; very few very fine roots;
C 75-140 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles;
many nodules calcareous medium; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A B C
SAND % 76.0 68.0 18.0
SILT % 6.0 6.0 14.0
CLAY % 18.0 26.0 68.0
TEXTURE CLASS SL SCL C
C (%) 0.31 0.27 0.18
N (%) 0.05 0.05 0.05
P (ppm) 11.80 5.20 9.50
pH 8.17 8.11 8.14
EC (mS/cm) 0.20 0.50 4.00
CEC (me/100g) 10.20 10.00 27.80
Ca++ 17.99 18.51 13.76
Mg++ 2.06 2.16 5.95
K+ 0.80 0.36 0.60
Na+ 0.55 0.75 3.95
Profile
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 7.50 14.00 29.50
ultilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
133
Annexes
Location : Beeyo Doofar Coordinates : 0940'41"/ 4401'29"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Ali Ibrahim Ismail Land form : Plateau
WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Petric Calcisol Drainage : Well
(Episkeletic, Arenic)
Remarks : Calcaric soil located in a Dissected plateau/Gully rill erosion surface, under
calcaric rock parent material. Fine width very closely spaced cracks and no salt
crusts.. No soil samples were taken for soil lab analysis and there is no a
complete horizon description because of soil-rock hardness
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-25 Brown (7.5YR 5/3) (dry);
HORIZON
LOWER BOUNDARY
SAND %
SILT %
CLAY %
TEXTURE CLASS
C (%)
N (%)
P (ppm)
pH
EC (mS/cm)
CEC (me/100g)
Ca++
Mg++
K+
Na+
PSB (%)
CaCO3 (%) Profile
134
Annexes
O-CSIC Multilingual Soil

SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION Profile Database
Location : Cadayabur Coordinates : 0957'14" / 4402'43"

Authors : Omar Haji Duale, Ali Ibrahim Ismail, Soil climate : Aridic
Musse Shaie
(Hyposodic, Chromic).
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Plateau/Denudational surface and developed under clay
deposits. Fine width very closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt crusts
are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-20 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few, very fine
Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; many fine-medium roots; clear smooth
b d
Bt 25-85 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (moist); no mottles ; strong coarse subangular blocky
structure; common pressure face Cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
many calcareous concretions fine; extremely calcareous; many fine roots; clear
smooth boundary.
C 85-120 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist); no mottles; moderate coarse subangular blocky
structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; many calcareous
concretions fine; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON A Bt C
SAND % 34.0 32.0 22.0
SILT % 16.0 12.0 16.0
CLAY % 50.0 56.0 62.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 0.47 0.30 0.22
N (%) 0.07 0.05 0.04
P (ppm) 10.00 9.70 7.70
pH 8.20 8.47 8.38
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.35 1.00
CEC (me/100g) 25.40 16.80 28.60
Ca++ 16.49 16.53 19.32
Mg++ 4.22 4.76 4.99
K+ 0.84 0.64 1.96
Na+ 1.35 2.35 3.45
PSB (%) 90.0 100.0 100.0 Profile
CaCO3 (%) 22.50 22.50 26.50
il SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
135
Annexes
Location : North of Luina Dhexe Coordinates : 1000'50" / 4408'18"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Vertic Petric Land form : Plateau
Calcisol (Aridic, Clayic).
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Dissected plateau/Pediment with parent material

calcaric rock and limestone. Fine width very closely spaced cracks are present
whereas salt crusts are absent. The C horizon constitutes a CaCO3 parent rock
present as a form of rocks and concretions. This horizon was not sampled.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
A 0-10 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles ;
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; ; no voids; few fine subrounded rocks;
extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots; clear smooth boundary.
AB 10-20 Very dark Grey (7.5YR 3/1) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no
mottles; strong medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; very
few fine subrounded rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots;
gradual wavy boundary.
B 20-65 Very dark Grey (7.5YR 3/1) (moist) and Very dark Grey (7.5YR 3/1) (dry); no
mottles; strong medium angular blocky structure; common pressure face
Cutans; no voids; very few fine subrounded rocks; extremely calcareous; few
fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
C 65-110 No mottles; dominant limestone stones and boulders subrounded fresh-slightly

weathered rocks; extremely calcareous.
HORIZON A AB B
SAND % 34.0 24.0 22.0
SILT % 18.0 22.0 20.0
CLAY % 48.0 54.0 58.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 0.62 0.94 0.68
N (%) 0.07 0.07 0.07
P (ppm) 10.10 9.40 13.60
pH 8.17 8.35 8.31
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.30 0.70
CEC (me/100g) 29.40 33.40 26.40
Ca++ 35.73 18.75 17.35
Mg++ 3.78 3.98 3.03
K+ 0.88 0.36 0.28
Na+ 1.60 1.70 2.30
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 24.00 27.00 27.00 Profile
C Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
136
Annexes
Location : Cunagabad Coordinates : 0925'31" / 4400'26"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Mazic Land form : Valley
Vertisol (Hyposalic, Hyposodic).
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Valley/Pediment under clay deposits. Fine width very
closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and brown (7.5YR 5/4) (dry); no mottles; weak fine
and medium granular structure; no cutans; very few voids very fine; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; many fine roots; abrupt wavy boundary.
A2 15-40 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; very few,
very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine roots; diffuse
boundary.
Bt1k1 40-80 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles ;
strong medium subangular blocky structure; few slickensides on pedfaces
Cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; common soft segregation
calcareous; extremely calcareous; few burrows; few very fine roots; gradual
wavy boundary.
Bt2k2 80-135 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/3) (dry); no
mottles ; strong medium and coarse angular blocky structure; few slickensides
on pedfaces Cutans; ; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks; common soft
segregation calcareous; extremely calcareous; no roots; gradual wavy
boundary
Ck 135-155 Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3) (moist) and Reddish brown (5YR 4/4) (dry); no
mottles; strong medium and coarse angular blocky structure; no cutans; very
few, very fine Voids; no rocks; common soft segregation calcareous; extremely
HORIZON Ap A2 Bt1k1 Bt2k2 Ck

SAND % 38.0 20.0 24.0 22.0 18.0
SILT % 4.0 22.0 12.0 16.0 16.0
CLAY % 58.0 58.0 64.0 62.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36
C (%) 0.65 0.55 0.38 0.27 0.23
N (%) 0.09 0.12 0.11 0.08 0.07
P (ppm) 11.50 10.50 14.70 18.80 15.40
pH 8.03 7.85 7.98 8.00 8.09
EC (mS/cm) 0.70 2.50 2.35 2.20 2.15
CEC (me/100g) 20.40 21.40 22.40 23.60 27.20
Ca++ 9.79 10.53 10.71 19.83 12.27
Mg++ 2.98 3.53 3.88 7.59 5.26
K+ 0.76 0.60 0.70 0.78 1.16
Na+ 1.20 1.65 2.15 2.25 2.65
PSB (%) 72.0 76.0 78.0 100.0 86.0
CaCO3 (%) 26.00 24.00 26.50 29.00 32.50
Profile
137
Annexes
C Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Sharmarke Coordinates : 0924'42" / 4412'48"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Grumic Land form : Valley
Vertisol (Hyposalic, Chromic).
Effective soil depth: >150 Drainage : Moderately well
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Valley/Flat floor valley. Fine width very closely spaced
cracks are present whereas salt crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
strong fine granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
strong medium subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids;
no rocks; extremely calcareous; common fine-medium roots; clear wavy
boundary.
B1 25-50 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (moist) and Strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) (dry); no mottles;
strong coarse angular and subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; few fine roots; gradual smooth boundary.
B2 50-110 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (dry); no mottles; weak
medium subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no
rocks; extremely calcareous; very few fine roots; diffuse smooth boundary.
weak medium subangular and angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no
HORIZON A1 A2 B1 B2 C
LOWER BOUNDARY 10 25 50 110 >140
SAND % 6.0 6.0 10.0 8.0 12.0
SILT % 32.0 32.0 38.0 34.0 26.0
CLAY % 62.0 62.0 52.0 58.0 62.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41
C (%) 0.52 0.46 0.51 0.41 0.29
N (%) 0.07 0.08 0.11 0.10 0.09
P (ppm) 18.00 7.10 7.30 5.60 9.30
pH 8.06 7.98 7.81 7.84 7.90
EC (mS/cm) 0.55 1.20 3.50 4.00 3.50
CEC (me/100g) 25.40 32.00 20.60 21.80 29.40
Ca++ 5.02 15.71 10.97 10.89 6.09
Mg++ 1.21 4.80 3.20 5.92 9.20
K+ 0.28 0.80 0.42 0.68 1.40
Na+ 0.20 1.80 1.35 2.35 1.30
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 24.00 23.00 22.50 25.00 25.50 Profile
138
Annexes
CSIC Multilingual Soil Pr SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Boodhley Coordinates : 0936'03" / 4332'18"

(Chromic)
Rock outcrops : Nil Drainage : Well
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Plateau/Denudational surface where the parent material
is clay deposits. Fine width very closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt
crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-20 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 4/4) (dry); no mottles;
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; ; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; common very fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
strong coarse subangular blocky structure; common pressure face Cutans; no
voids; no rocks; common soft segregation calcareous; extremely calcareous;
common fine roots; diffuse boundary.
Ck 75-110 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (moist) and Brown to dark brown (7.5YR 4/2) (dry);
strong coarse subangular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; many
soft segregation calcareous; extremely calcareous; few fine roots.
HORIZON Ap Btk Ck
SAND % 32.0 30.0 24.0
SILT % 12.0 12.0 12.0
CLAY % 56.0 58.0 64.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 1.28 0.88 0.64
N (%) 0.11 0.07 0.05
P (ppm) 6.10 10.00 4.60
pH 7.97 7.84 8.13
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.55 0.95
CEC (me/100g) 27.60 27.00 21.60
Ca++ 31.27 36.86 12.96
Mg++ 2.73 4.11 4.61
K+ 1.30 1.10 0.50
Na+ 1.55 1.55 2.30
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 93.0
CaCO3 (%)
Profile
19.50 21.00 27.50
us. FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
139
Annexes
Location : Idhanka Deerayaharka Coordinates : 0933'07" / 4327'44"

WRB 2006 Soil Classification: Calcic Mazic Land form : Pediment
Vertisol (Chromic)
Land use : Agriculture Drainage : Well
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Piedmont/Pediment where a clay deposit is the parent
material. Wide width very closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt
crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-15 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles;
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; common very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
AB 15-30 Very dark Grey (7.5YR 3/1) (moist) and dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky structure; no cutans; ; no voids;
no rocks; extremely calcareous; common very fine roots; diffuse boundary.
strong coarse angular blocky structure; many pressure faces on pedfaces
Cutans; no voids; no rocks; few soft segregation calcareous; extremely
calcareous; few very fine roots; clear smooth boundary.
Ck 110-140 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/3) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks;
common soft segregation calcareous; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON Ap AB Btk Ck
SAND % 34.0 30.0 24.0 22.0
SILT % 12.0 12.0 14.0 12.0
CLAY % 54.0 58.0 62.0 66.0
BULK DENSITY (g/cm3) 1.43 1.43 1.43 1.43
C (%) 1.09 0.81 0.53 0.14
N (%) 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.04
P (ppm) 7.30 4.90 4.20 6.40
pH 7.92 7.96 8.13 8.24
EC (mS/cm) 0.35 0.35 0.50 0.90
CEC (me/100g) 26.40 32.00 21.20 25.00
Ca++ 22.73 25.40 18.11 14.73
Mg++ 2.88 3.88 8.24 8.59
K+ 1.44 1.10 0.96 0.68
Na+ 1.55 1.30 1.65 2.80
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 19.00 23.00 25.00 28.00
Profile
140
Annexes
FAO-CSIC Multilingual Soil Pro SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Balliga Godan Coordinates : 0939'41" / 4325'24"

(Bathyhyposalic, Bathyhyposodic)
Land use : Agriculture Drainage : Well
Effective soil depth: >150 Moisture conditions : Dry
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil profile developed in a Piedmont/Pediment composed of clay deposits.

Wide, very closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-20 Black (7.5YR 2.5/1) (moist) and very dark Grey (7.5YR 3/1) (dry); no mottles;
weak fine granular structure; no cutans; very few, very fine Voids; no rocks;
extremely calcareous; many very fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
Bt 20-90 Black (7.5YR 2.5/1) (moist) and Black (7.5YR 2.5/1) (dry); no mottles; strong
coarse angular blocky structure; many slickensides on pedfaces Cutans; very
few, very fine Voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; very few fine-medium
roots; clear smooth boundary.
strong coarse angular blocky structure; many pressure face Cutans; very few,
very fine Voids; no rocks; many soft segregation calcareous; extremely
HORIZON Ap Bt C
SAND % 14.0 14.0 12.0
SILT % 18.0 12.0 12.0
CLAY % 68.0 74.0 76.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 1.76 0.92 0.04
N (%) 0.11 0.05 0.03
P (ppm) 6.00 6.20 7.70
pH 7.97 8.46 8.28
EC (mS/cm) 0.40 0.75 4.00
CEC (me/100g) 41.40 45.32 26.40
Ca++ 27.10 19.37 20.21
Mg++ 5.71 9.82 6.64
K+ 0.86 0.76 0.40
Na+ 0.85 3.10 4.55
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0
CaCO3 (%) 22.00 26.00 29.50
Profile
141
Annexes
. FAO-CSIC Multilingu SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Location : Mashrunca Wajale Coordinates : 0937'07" / 4324'24"

Vertisol (Bathyhyposodic, Chromic)
Land use : Agriculture Drainage : Imperfect
Rock outcrops : Nil
Remarks : Soil profile located in a Piedmont/Pediment composed of clay deposits. Wide

width, very closely spaced cracks are present whereas salt crusts are absent.
Horizon Depth cm
Description
Ap 0-25 Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (moist) and grey (7.5YR 6/1) (dry); no mottles; strong
fine and medium granular structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks; extremely
calcareous; many fine roots; clear wavy boundary.
Bt 25-110 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) (dry); no mottles; strong
coarse angular blocky structure; many slickensides on pedfaces Cutans; no
voids; no rocks; extremely calcareous; common very fine roots; gradual
irregular boundary.
C 110-140 Brown (7.5YR 4/3) (moist) and dark brown (7.5YR 3/4) (dry); no mottles;
moderate medium angular blocky structure; no cutans; no voids; no rocks;
common crystals salt; extremely calcareous; no roots.
HORIZON Ap Bt C
SAND % 16.0 14.0 10.0
SILT % 14.0 8.0 10.0
CLAY % 70.0 78.0 80.0
TEXTURE CLASS C C C
C (%) 0.02 0.02 0.01
N (%) 0.14 0.03 0.02
P (ppm) 4.40 5.90 7.00
pH 7.82 8.63 8.50
EC (mS/cm) 0.60 1.55 3.50
CEC (me/100g) 33.70 25.40 27.00
Ca++ 13.24 11.93 12.96
Mg++ 4.63 3.44 6.41
K+ 1.10 0.96 1.00
Na+ 1.05 1.95 8.55
PSB (%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 Profile
CaCO3 (%) 25.00 31.50 30.50
142

L-05 Soil Survey of A Selected Study Area in Somaliland

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L-05 Soil Survey of A Selected Study Area in Somaliland

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Soil Survey of a Selected Study Area in

Project Report No. L-05

Somalia Water and Land Information Management

This document should be cited as follows:

Annex 1: Soil data collection form

Table 1: Soil studies ................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 1: Study area ............................................................................................. 2

Picture 1: Gully formation due to soil bunding ........................................................ 52

Map 1: Soil transects locations ............................................................................. 12

AOI Area of Interest

Finally we want to express our acknowledgment to all technical and administrative

Table 1: Soil studies

2.1 Location and delineation

Figure 1: Study area

Rainfall Potential Evapotranspiration Graph at Gebilley

Figure 2: Rainfall and potential evapotranspiration

Figure 3: Relative humidity of the study area

Figure 4: Rainfall distribution and climate classification of the study area

2.4 Landform and Soils

2.5 Land cover

2.6 Land Use

Rainfed agriculture is found in what is considered as the sorghum belt of Somaliland,

Cultivation of irrigated orchards is a cash-oriented activity in the area, involving the

District Estimated population

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.2.1 Bibliographic research and data collection

3.2.2 The soil mapping model

At 1:50 000 scale

Medium semi-detailed soil survey, general purpose

1 sample - 0.2 km2

Considering the minimum and the area characteristics:

At 1:100 000 scale

Low semi-detailed soil survey, resource inventory

Considering the minimum and the area characteristics:

Theoretical background of the model

We consider two important issues here:

The Inference Model

The following equation corresponds to a contextualized version of the Jenny equation

SOIL A (b) = (CL(b)+R(b)+P(b)+O(b)+T(b))

3.2.3 Landscape stratification (Geopedological approach)

3.2.4 Soil sampling design

3.2.5 Soil field-survey

3.2.6 Soil data input

3.2.7 Soil Laboratory analysis

The first Reading gives the Silt + Clay

% (Silt + Clay) = R1/50*100

%Silt is therefore this reading minus %Clay

% Sand is 100 % (Silt+Clay)

Dry Soil Bulk density

Total organic carbon

Cation Exchange Capacity and Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, Na

3.2.8 Soil classification

3.2.9 Determination and acquisition of necessary environmental variables

Table 4: Geodesic System

Table 5: Environmental variables

VARIABLE DATA TYPE LEVEL OF DETAIL IN THE

Landscape and relief maps

Land cover map