Poorly Developed Soils (Inceptisol)

Typical Characteristics of Inceptisol:

• Formation: Unlike mature soils, these soils lack a well-developed soil profile and are just beginning to develop a B subsurface horizon.
• Productivity: The natural productivity of young soils vary from place to place.

Poorly Developed Soils of Maui:

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Semiarid, acidic poorly developed soils with low base saturation (Dystrustepts)

• Haliimaile Series
• Kahana Series
• Makaalae Series

Water saturated, poorly developed soil (Petraquept)

• Amalu Series

Unique Characteristics of Poorly Developed Soils of Maui County:

The Kahana Series is the most agriculturally important of the poorly developed soils on Maui.

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• Location: The Kahana series is located in the uplands of West Maui, at elevations between 100 and 1,200 ft. The Kahana Series occupies approximately 2,700 acres of land.
• Texture: Silty clay
• Rainfall and Temperature: The average annual precipitation is between 30 and 45 inches, and the average annual temperature is 73 degrees F.
• Slope: Gentle to moderate
• Parent Material: The parent material of the Kahana Series is basic igneous rock, which was weathered in place.
• Depth: Surface layer extends approximately 14 inches. The subsoil is about 50 inches in depth.
• Physical Traits: The Kahana series has good drainage. Run off may be slow to medium, while permeability is moderately rapid.
• Color of Surface Horizon: Dark reddish brown
• Fertility: While Kahana soils may require irrigation, liming, and nutrient additions, it is generally very suitable for crop production.
• Acidity: Strongly acidic
• Natural Vegetation: guava, koa haole, lantana, and other trees.
• Agriculture Use: pineapple and irrigated sugarcane production, with some use as pastureland.
• Related Soils: Haliimaile and Makaalae Series.

The Kahana Series is characterized by an acidic pH and relatively low base saturation.

Photo by Tai McClellan