The Chemistry and Mineralogy of Three Savanna Lick Soils

Abstract

Three lick soils were sampled from the Mkomazi Game Reserve, Tanzania, and subjected to geochemical and mineralogical analysis. Compared to 88 samples of topsoil collected for a reconnaissance geochemical soil survey, the lick soils are geochemically distinct, being either enriched in certain constituents (e.g., total and extractable Na) or depleted in others (e.g., the base cations) depending on the lick soil considered. There are notable differences in the geochemistry and mineralogy of the lick soils to the extent that no single characteristic of these soils can explain their exploitation. One lick soil, enriched in kaolinite, could act as a pharmaceutical agent by preventing or treating gastrointestinal upsets. Two lick soils are enriched in Na, which may explain their utilization, although both soils to a lesser or greater extent additionally contain constituents such as CaCO₃ and smectite, which can alleviate acidosis (and smectite can act as a pharmaceutical agent, similar to kaolinite). One of these soils, an extremely alkaline, highly calcareous, and saline–sodic soil is particularly distinctive and may provide a range of benefits if consumed in appropriate amounts.