soil map units where Lu Temaiku series is dominant
Soil properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution | Tarawa, Abatao |
| Landscape position | Occurs in intimate association with the shallow phase of the Abatao soils on planar or very slightly concave areas away from coastal rampart or lagoon shore |
| Soil parent material | coralline sand and gravel |
| Slope | Flat (0 - 3°) |
| Surface outcrops | Common coral fragments on surface |
| Brief soil profile description | A moderately well developed A horizon overlying coral sand which in turn rests on cemented beach rock with a lithic contact within 50 cm of the soil surface. |
| Soil profile texture | Typically shows a dark brown or yellowish brown sandy, structureless AC horizon resting on cemented beach rock. Depth to the lithic contact varies from 25-45 cm. The soil colour varies from dark brown to light yellowish brown. Stones and gravels may be present in the range 0-10% |
| Minimum effective rooting depth | 25-45 cm |
| Soil pH (acidity) | Highly calcareous with high pH |
| Salinity | - |
| Soil fertility under natural conditions | No analyses were carried out on this soil but it was expected to have similar properties to others on Abatao in having high pH, free lime, low phosphorus and potassium levels, moderate organic carbon and nitrogen contents and CEC. |
| Soil moisture regime | Ustic |
| Susceptibility to drought | Dries out in dry periods. |
| Soil drainage | Excessively drained |
| Susceptibility to waterlogging | Not susceptible to waterlogging |
| Susceptibility to flooding | Never floods |
