Browsing by Author "Gervas,Donald"

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Chemical and physical properties of some salt affected soils from Morogoro and Kilimanjaro regions, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Gervas,Donald
A study was undertaken to assess the types and quantities of soluble salts in some soils of Morogoro and Moshi districts, Tanzania which have been suspected to contain substantial amounts of soluble salts that have contributed to poor crop performances. The selection of the sampling sites was based on soil information and crop performance gathered from the farmers, research and extension reports and soils and geological maps. In total 22 soil samples to the depth of 30 cm were collected from eight sites and analysed for the various soil properties for soil fertility characterization and properties used for the characterization of salt affected soils using the standard recommended procedures. The soils from the eight sites varied tremendously in terms of soil fertility status and amounts of soluble salts. Based on the pH, ECe, ESP and SAR, the soils of SUA Farm 1 and 3, Mafiga 2, Kahe 1 and 2, Kikafu chini 2 and Soko 3 were categorized as saline-sodic, those of SUA Farm 2 and 4, Kidamke 1, Mafiga 1, Kikafu chini 1, Soko 1, 2a, 2 and 4 as sodic, and those of Kidamke 2, and 3, Dakawa 1, 2, 3 and Cholima as not salt affected. The dominant cations and anions in the soils were sodium, calcium, sulphate, bicarbonates and assumed to be mostly Na2SC>4 and NaHCOs. The possible formation, development and accumulation of the soluble salts in the soils include weathering of rocks and accumulation due to poor drainage. For increased and sustainable crop production for the saline-sodic and sodic soils, the soluble salts and exchangeable Na, respectively, have to be reduced by leaching and neutralization using gypsum to levels suitable for chloride, respectively. The soluble salts in the saline-sodic and sodic soils were crop production. The growing of salt tolerant crops like rice could be another soilcrop management option for sustainable use of the saline-sodic and sodic soils.