41 / 126
Chapter 1- Over view
41
Figure 1.5 Soil types in Zambia
Environmental Council of Zambia, 2008
The soils of Zambia can be classified using the three
agro-ecological zones. The main soils are loamy-sand
or sand Alfisols, interspersed with clay. Figure 1.5
shows soil types in Zambia.
Region I covers 20 per cent of the country and is the
driest and most prone to drought. Its soils contain
low levels of organic matter, nutrient reserves and
high acidity levels. Region II covers 36 per cent of the
country. Its soils are made up of the Kalahari sands
which have little agricultural potential and are mainly
covered in woodland. The soils in region III, which
cover 44 per cent of the country, tend to be highly
weathered and leached, and highly acidic.
Soils
Region IIa
( 800 - 1000mm)
Region Ia
( 800 - 1000mm)
Region Ia
( 800 - 1000mm)
Region IIb
( 800 - 1000mm)
Region III
( Above 1000mm)
Region III
( Above 1000mm)
Water body
Clay
Coarse
Loamy
ND
Sandy
Silt
Variable
TANZANIA
MALAWI
MOZAMBIQUE
ZIMBABWE
BOTSWANA
NAMIBIA
ANGOLA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Cracked soil due to drought
Marc’s pix, 2007