Desk study

We reviewed various documents including verification of the topography, land cover etc., from the topographic map of 1:50:000, previous soils map by FAO 1956, collected and analyzed climate data, and finally collected field equipment like color, charts, sample rings, sample bags, etc., followed by biased sampling strategies to set the profile pits on potential identified soil units,

Site Reconnaissance

We performed a site reconnaissance to review general site characteristics such as location, profile number, elevation, authors, map sheet number, weather information, topography, slope, micro relief, rock outcrops, soil drainage class, human influence, vegetation, land use etc. The locations at which the profile pits were dug were also predetermined during the reconnaissance survey,

Subsurface Investigation

Six (6) pits were dug by peak axe up to the depths between 0.8 – 1m and the GPS points for each pit were recorded and used during the verification of the soil map,

Sample Recovery

Disturbed and undisturbed soils samples from different profile horizons were taken in order to better understand the soil fertility and soil physical properties.

Laboratory Testing

Soil analyses were performed at Makerere University Agricultural Laboratories. Tests included; Soil PH, Soil Organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable sodium, Cation exchange capacity and soil texture.

Report writing

We compiled a soils survey report including soil types observed, the general characteristics of major soils at the site, soil physical and chemical properties analyses made on the laboratory tests and recommendations.