Vertisol soils of the tropics and sub-tropics: their management and use

Abstract

Large expanses of vertisols currently used, especially in Africa, for low-intensity live-stock or rain-fed agriculture could beneficially be brought under irrigation. They generally have favourable chemical characteristics with relatively few instances of salinity or alkali hazard. Whilst slow rates of water movement through the soils may limit water application and restrict artificial drainage, these vertisols are capable of sustained productivity, under irrigation, of a wide range of crops.