A Tentative Evaluation of Soil Types for Commercial Afforestation in the Transvaal and Natal

ABSTRACT A soil suitability classification for common commercial tree species grown in the Transvaal and Natal is presented using mainly the terminology of the South African Binomial System of soil classification. This was arrived at by using soil depth, texture, morphology, moisture regime and degree of leaching, all of which influence the growth of commercial tree species. A tentative suitability rating of soil series occurring in the forestry zones of the Transvaal and Natal is given for wattle, eucalypts, pines (Pinus elliottii, Pinus taeda and Pinus patula) and Poplar. By making use of the easy soil identification procedure of the Binomial System together with the proposed suitability rating for soil series, the site evaluator can assess quickly the potential of sites for commercial tree growing. An example is given to illustrate the usefulness of this procedure.

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