42. Group of Soil Series No.42

This group of soils is deep sandy , somewhat excessively drained that occurs on beach ridge along the coastal line. Not only sandy texture but also unique features that are characterized by upper whitish sandy subsoil and lower reddish brown sandy subsoil. Fertility is very low whereas soil reaction is medium acid. Soils in this group is Ban Thon (Bh) series.                Majority of the land uses are low shrubs, grasses and native tree like Melaleuca cajuputi. Some places have been used for growing coconut and cashew nut with relatively low yield.

Problems : Sandy soils with organic hard pan (within 100 cm. depth). Low fertility white thick sandy layer, lack of water in dry season and water logging in rainy season.

Management for upland crops or vegetables : This group of soils will be good for some upland crops or vegetables . It needs to be improved with 3-4 ton/rai compose or animal manure or mixed green manure (broadcast 8-10 kg/rai sword bean , 6-8 kg/rai cow pea or 4-6 kg/rai Crotalaria juncia) with soils before flowering and leave for 1-2 weeks. Chemical or liquid LDD fertilizer will also be applied according to recommendation . Farm ponds are recommended to preserve water to be used in dry season.

Management for orchard : Soil preparation in 75*75*75 pit is to mix 35-50 kg compose fertilize or animal manure. Conserve the soils by cover crops, mulching, and contour or fencing the tree with vetiver. Application of compose fertilize or animal manure with chemical or liquid LDD fertilizer at vegetative growth, before and after harvesting. Farm ponds are recommended to preserve water to be used in dry season. Drainage is recommended in low areas.