Author : Sarakam Kawtasi

Summary : A study was conducted to determine the morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of the soils on diorite mountain in Benguet, Philippines. All the properties were used to compare the soils on different landsurface units of the hillslope. Seven landsurface units of a hillslope were used for this study. These are the interfluve, seepage slope, convex creep slope, fall face, transportational midslope, colluvial footslope, and alluvial toeslope. All the soils studied were classified based on Soil Taxonomy, USDA Soil Classification System. The genetic relationship of soils is a function of topography. Soils in different positions on hillslope are related to each other by translocation and accumulation process. The weathering of parent rock have been rapid and enhanced by the warm and humid climate, good drainage and slope of the mountain area. Several pathways of mineral formation have probably occurred depending upon the weathering environment. Soils in the interfluve and seepage slope are old which showed well developed profiles. Soils are classified as Typic Hapludults. typic Kandihumults and Fluventic Dystropepts. Soils in the convex creep slope have experienced continuous losses of surficial material while that in the fall face are lost by mass movement. Both landsurface units showed less profile development. Soils in the convex creep slope are classified as Typic Troportents and Typic Dystropepts while that in the fall face is classified as Typic Troporthents.