Pedological characterization and soil classification of selected soil units of Morogoro District, Tanzania
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Date
2017
Authors
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Publisher
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
Abstract
The study aimed at provision of research information by pedological characterization of soil units of
Morogoro District, Tanzania. Three soil units were selected coupled with field reconnaissance
survey. Soil pedons were characterized at Kiziwa (KZW-P1), Mkambarani (MKA-P1) and Fulwe
(FUL-P1). Pedons were observed to be formed from in-situ weathering of granitic rocks under ustic
moisture and iso-hyperthermic temperature regimes. Thirteen soil samples were described and
analyzed for physica-chemical and mineralogical properties. KZW-P1 and FUL-P1 had red dark
brown sandy clay and gravely clay (MKA-P1) top soils overlaying mainly clayey subsoil. Both
pedons indicate clay eluviation-illuviation as a dominant pedogenic process with slightly acidic
condition and P<7 except FUL-P1 with 23.8 mg/kg P in top soils. Organic carbon is low in both
pedons while total N is low to very low. CEC values for both pedons are 33.8, 26.4 and 27
cmol(+)/kg respectively. CIA values indicates intermediate to strong level of weathering. In USDA
Soil Taxonomy and the FAO-UNESCO soil classification system, Soils were classified as: Kiziwa.
Ultisols (Alisols), and Inceptisols (Cambisols) for Fulwe and Mkambarani, reflecting their differences
in potentials and constraints and hence use and management. The results reflects variations in soil
characteristics both vertically and laterally so as to account for spatial linkages within the
landscape.
Description
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 16(1): 1-12, 2017; Article no.IJPSS.32681
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Author SML designed the study,
performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol, managed the literature searches and wrote the
first draft of the manuscript. Author BMM managed the site selection of the study, edited the data,
reviewed and edited the protocol and manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final
manuscript
Keywords
Soil units, Soil characterization, Soil morphology, Physical characteristics, Soil classification, Morogoro district Tanzania