Abstract

Site and soil characteristics of two species of calamus viz., Calamus thwaitessi and Calamus pseudotenuis growing respectively at Achankovil and Peermedu areas in Kerala were studied. Soil samples from typical profiles as well as from 60 cm deep pits were collected and morphological and physico-chemical properties were examined. Results indicate that in Achankovil C. thwaitessi growing soils are deep (152 cm), well drained, sandy clay loam and show development of sub-angular blacky structure with depth. They are slightly acidic in reaction with mean pH value of 6. 2. In Peerumedu, soil supporting C. pseudotenuis are 80 cm deep, well drained loose, sandy loam in texture and moderately acidic in reaction with pH 5. 2