.jpg)
super soils
Soil, a composition of organic and inorganic components, blankets the Earth's surface.
​
Despite often being overlooked as an ecosystem, it serves as a habitat for a diverse array of microorganisms and microfauna, including small invertebrates.
There are four primary soil types: clay, loam, sand, and silt, each categorized based on particle size.
Sandy soil has the largest particles, while clay possesses the smallest. Loamy soil is characterized by an equal mix of loam, sand, and silt.
The development of soil is influenced by various factors, including climate, the presence of organisms in the soil, the parent material of the soil, and its land position. In The Bahamas, the predominant soil type is classified as "sandy loam."
.jpg)
Soil stands out as one of the planet's most crucial ecosystems and natural resources. Numerous compelling reasons underscore the importance of caring for and preserving this invaluable asset, some of which are outlined below:
-
Soil heavily supports economically important industries such as agriculture both through the growing of crops but also the sustaining of livestock.
-
Soil acts as a natural filter for rainwater, controlling the release of surplus water to prevent flooding. Additionally, it serves as a protective buffer against pollutants, safeguarding the quality of groundwater.
-
Soil provides people with some essential construction and manufacturing materials.
-
Soil has the capacity to store significant quantities of organic carbon, playing a crucial role in rebalancing the global carbon budget and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Sandy loam
Black humus-rich soil
The Bahamas lacks fully developed, mature soils typical of continental regions. Instead, the substrate consists primarily of immature, calcareous soils associated with coastal dune systems. Comprised entirely of limestone (calcium carbonate), these soils are typically alkaline and exhibit loamy textures. In certain locations, the soil appears dark brown or black due to high concentrations of humus (decomposed organic matter) which enhances nutrient availability and agricultural suitability. Such soils are characteristic of the Blackland Coppice Forests found inland on Bahamian islands.
In contrast, coastal dry forest ecosystems—often referred to as White-land Coppice—are underlain by sandy loam soils. These soils are lighter in color, contain less humus, and have lower nutrient retention compared to their Blackland counterparts.
Unlike the mature, mineral-rich soils formed by prolonged weathering of igneous or metamorphic rocks across much of the Americas and other West Indian islands, Bahamian soils are derived from limestone bedrock, which dissolves in water and is readily eroded. This solubility contributes to common surface features such as sinkholes and potholes, particularly in areas lacking paved surfaces and exposed to consistent rainfall.
Another distinct soil type found in The Bahamas is red loam, particularly prevalent on eastern islands such as Eleuthera and Cat Island. This reddish-brown substrate originates from Saharan dust, transported across the Atlantic Ocean by prevailing winds and depositing an estimated 43 million tons of mineral-rich particles annually throughout the Caribbean. Red loam is mildly acidic relative to sandy loam (which typically exhibits a pH of 7.5 to 8.5) and is especially well-suited for cultivating crops such as pineapples.
​
Elevated concentrations of organic carbon, derived from the breakdown of leaf litter, woody debris, and animal remains—are critical for maintaining soil health.
Red loam soil
Soil functions as a dynamic and complex ecosystem that relies on continuous inputs from microorganisms, plant and animal detritus, as well as adequate moisture and temperature conditions.
In forested environments, the roots of native vegetation establish intricate mutualistic associations with fungi and neighboring plants, contributing to soil stability and facilitating soil formation. Additionally, the accumulation of leaf litter and root systems enhances water retention, creating favorable conditions for microbial proliferation. These microorganisms play a key role in the mineralization of organic inputs, thereby enriching the soil with essential nutrients that support plant development and promote floral biodiversity.
Terrestrial invertebrates such as millipedes, centipedes, beetles, ants, snails, and other soil-dwelling organisms are dependent on robust litter layers and biologically active soils for habitat and food resources.
fact sheets
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
posters
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
photo gallery
 |  |  |
|---|
