CHARACTERIZATION OF ANDISOLS DEVELOPED FROM NONVOLCANIC MATERIAL IN EASTERN NEPAL

Soils developed from mica schist in Eastern Nepal (The Himalayas) were investigated. All soil horizons were characterized by high organic ca rbon and extractable aluminum contents. Chemical and physical analyses indicated andic soil properties. No short-range order minerals could be detected. It is assumed that aluminum is linked to the organic matt er, which leads to insolubilization and stabilization of the organic m aterial against microbial degradation. The formation of Al-humus compl exes instead of short-range order minerals is preferred if enough Al a nd water-soluble organic compounds are present. Al-humus complexes are considered responsible for the formation of Andisols from nonvolcanic parent material. The soil is classified as Dystric Haplustand, medial , mesic (US Soil Taxonomy).