Mulberry productivity of soils in relation to their parent materials in Kumamoto Prefecture

Abstract

The distribution of crop production potency of soils and their parent materials in Kumamoto Prefecture were investigated using the statistical records of sericultural production during 1962 to 1969. The soils in this area mainly consisted of volcanic ash soils originated from Aso volcanoes and were commposed of numeral parent materials. The high coccoon production levels were found in the areas of soils originated from denaturation rocks and granite. Also high production of cocoon was seen in the areas of the humic volcanic ash soil (blackish brown) and the alluvial soil. On the other hand, the humic volcanic ash soil (black) gave poorer production of cocoons. The soils from sedimentary rocks and serpentine rocks were also low in cocoon productivity. These results imply that the crop productivity in terms of sericulture largely depends upon the parent materials of soils probably via the natural nutrient contents which are in turn affected by the clay composition, texture, humus and minerals of soils.