Data from: Pedology and its relationship to cropping decisions in Kamuli District, Uganda
Data files
May 20, 2026 version files 41.48 KB
Abstract
This dataset supports a study examining the relationship between pedology and cropping decisions in a tropical landscape located in Eastern Uganda. The data include detailed soil morphological descriptions from field profiles aggregated by parent material, along with laboratory analyses of soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, and particle size distribution. A second dataset compares chemical properties between cultivated and uncultivated pedons, aggregated by landscape position (upland and lowland). The chemical properties in the second dataset include SOM, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Together, these data allow users to discern the pedology of Kamuli District and how it relates to cropping decisions in Kamuli District.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.rjdfn2zsj
Description of the data and file structure
The data contain soil morphology descriptions obtained using standard methods at 19 sites. The pedons are arranged according to parent materials common in the area. That is alluvium, alluvial-colluvium, colluvium, and residuum. Soil samples were collected by horizon from each pedon, and subsequent lab analysis was performed. Chemical property data were aggregated by land use (cultivated vs. uncultivated) and by landscape position (upland and lowland) to assess management-induced differences.
Files and variables
File: Soil_morphological_descriptions_with_physical_and_chemical_properties.xlsx
Description: Soil morphology is described using standard procedures of 19 pedons aggregated by parent material. Each block of rows represents a pedon (a single soil sampling location), and each pedon is broken into horizons (layers in the soil).
Each pedon is split into horizons like:
Ap / A: topsoil (ploughed or natural surface layer); Bt: clay accumulation layer (subsoil); Bw: weakly developed subsoil; BC / C: transition to parent material.
Structure
“sbk” = subangular blocky; “wk” = weak; “m” = moderate; “c” = coarse, etc.
Variables
- Designated horizon, depth (cm), boundary distinctness, Structure, moist color, texture (feel method), root abundance and size, pH, SOM (%), CEC (cmol/kg), sand (%), silt (%), clay (%).
File: Soil_properties_aggregated_by_landuse_and_landscape_position.xlsx
Description: Soil chemical properties of cultivated and uncultivated soils aggregated by landscape position (upland and lowland)
Variables
- Depth (cm), SOM (%), total nitrogen (%), available phosphorus (mg/kg), potassium (Cmolc/kg), sodium (Cmolc/kg), calcium (cmolc/kg), magnesium (Cmolc/kg)
Code/software
Any program that will open a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, is recommended.