Soil Order Distribution in Chiang Mai University Education Centre “Hariphunchai”, Lamphun Province

Abstract

     A study on the distribution of soil order in Chiang Mai University Education Centre “Hariphunchai”, Lamphun province aim to invent soil survey and determined soil morphology in the field, physicochemical, mineralogical properties and evaluation included soil fertility assessment and their relationship with plant diversity. The result revealed that soil in the area was classified 4 soil orders (8 subgroups). They are Ultisols (pedon 1: Typic Paleustults; pedon 2: Typic Haplustults), Alfisols (pedon 3: Ultic Paleustalfs; pedon 4: Ultic Haplustalfs), Inceptisols (pedon 5: Typic Dystrustepts; pedon 6: Typic Haplustepts) and Entisols (pedon 7: Lithic Ustorthents; pedon 8: Typic Ustorthents). They are very shallow to very deep soils, while the subsoil in Entisols was absent. Residual soil formed by parent material of shale and sandstone. The gravel content in topsoil of Alfisols has less than 15%, while the others show higher number. The soil reaction of Ultisols in subsoil range from very strongly acid to strongly acid (pH 4.7-5.2) while the others showed higher alkaline. The soil organic matter and available phosphorus in topsoil were higher than subsoil. Alfisols order, the soil fertility levels were higher than the others order and there are found mixed deciduous forest, while others order are dry dipterocarp forest. For mineralogy class, most of the orders are classified as mixed, except pedon 4 is classified as kaolinitic. Most areas are complex slopes. Moreover, the gravel content in subsoil is higher than 35%, which the soil is unsuitable for agriculture. Furthermore, the soil capacity should be conserved as a forest and natural resource protected area.