Clay Mineralogy of Some Teak Bearing Soils of Maharashtra

Abstract

The clay mineralogy of soils from the moist teak forests of South Chanda Forest Division (Maharashtra) indicates that illite and kaolinite are the dominant minerals and quartz occurs as an accessory mineral in the clay fraction. The soils are well drained and kaoliniziation is the dominant clay forming process as indicated by the clay mineralogy It is inferred that the loss of bases due to kaolinization may not get adequately replenished by the nutrient cycling through inorganic and organic substances, if the balanced ecosystem is disturbed. It is, therefore, necessary to protect these forests against over exploitation for sustained yield and site protection.