Therefore, laterite soils are complex structures which take a significant amount of time to develop. If properly cared for and maintained they can be the host to some of the most amazing bio-diversity in the world. However, stripping the soils of organic matter leads to the rapid leaching of nutrients and hardening of the soil. Proper soil maintenance is an essential priority due, not only to these factors, but also to the rapid population growth in those areas which is leading to increasing demands on the resources and the importance of tropical vegetation for the entire global community. Hopefully, proper land use practices can help preserve this important resource.
Appendices There are two appendices in the original paper.
Appendex 1 a, b, and c are maps of the areas where laterite soils predominate. Appendix 2 is a photocopy of a sample pedon of a laterite soil. 2- Coleman, David C., J. Malcolm Oades and Goro Uehara. Hawaii, NifTAL Project University of Hwawii Press, 1989. Orlando Florida, Academic Press Inc, 1986.