Browsing by Author "Kimaro, D. N."

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Anthropogenic soils and land use patterns in relation to small mammal and flea abundance in plague endemic area of Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Meliyo, J.; Hieronimo, Proches; Mwango, Sibaway; Kihupi, N. I.; Gulinck, Hubert; Deckers, Jozef, A.
Heterogeneity in the landscapes of West Usambara Mountains on land use and human activities has been reported. However, the interface of land use patterns and human modified soils with small mammal and flea abundance for possible explanation of plague has not been explored. This study was carried out to determine the link between anthropogenic soils and land use patterns on small mammal and flea abundance and the occurrence of reported plague in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. Standard soil survey methods were used to identify and describe soils and land use patterns on lower slopes and valley bottoms on which the surrounding villages are reported to have high and medium plague frequencies. The identified soils were characterised in terms of their morphological and physico-chemical properties and classified according to FAO-World Reference Base for Soil Resources. Small mammals were trapped on the same landscape positions and identified to genus/species level. Fleas were removed from the trapped small mammals, counted and identified to species level. In total 57 small mammals were captured from which 32 fleas were collected. Results show that human settlements and mixed cultivation on lower slopes and continuous vegetable cropping in the valley bottoms are dominant land use types. Intensive use of forest soils, manuring and irrigation on farms in the studied landscapes have contributed to the development of uniquely human modified soils namely Hortic Anthrosols in the lower slopes and Plaggic Irragric Hortic Anthrosols in valley bottoms. The identified anthropogenic soils and land use patterns are associated with high abundance of small mammals (Mastomys natalensis) and flea species (Xenopsylla brasiliensis and Dinopsyllus lypusus). This phenomenon is vividly apparent in the villages with medium to high plague frequencies. The study suggests that plague surveillance programmes should consider the existing relationship between anthropogenic soils, land use patterns, small mammal and flea abundance.
Contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution in the plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Hieronimo, Proches; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Kimaro, D. N.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J
Fleas associated with different rodent species are considered as the major vectors of bubonic plague, which is still rampant in different parts of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of land use to rodent flea load distribution at fine scale in the plague endemic area of north-eastern Tanzania. Data was collected in three case areas namely, Shume, Lukozi and Mwangoi, differing in plague incidence levels. Data collection was carried out during both wet and dry seasons of 2012. Analysis of Variance and Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) statistical methods were used to clarify the relationships between fleas and specific land use characteristics. There was a significant variation (P ≤ 0.05) of flea indices in different land use types. Fallow and natural forest had higher flea indices whereas plantation forest mono-crop and mixed annual crops had the lowest flea indices among the aggregated land use types. The influence of individual land use types on flea indices was variable with fallow having a positive effect and land tillage showing a negative effect. The results also demonstrated a seasonal effect, part of which can be attributed to different land use practices such as application of pesticides, or the presence of grass strips around fields. These findings suggest that land use factors have a major influence on rodent flea abundance which can be taken as a proxy for plague infection risk. The results further point to the need for a comprehensive package that includes land tillage and crop type considerations on one hand and the associated human activities on the other, in planning and implementation of plague control interventions.
Cyanosoils project site and soil characterization
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Maliondo, S. M. S.; Semu, E.; Madoffe, S. S.; Mvena, Z. K. S.
The objective of the study was to select sites for the Cyanosoils project and to characterize the soils on which experiments will be carried out. Through field visits and studies three sites were identified and described in Morogoro Urban and Mvomero Districts. Soil profiles were excavated, described and sampled for laboratory analyses.
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH, 2018) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania are famous for rich biodiversity and endemic species of plants and animals. Although there have been extensive studies on plant and animals species, little attention has been given on abiotic factors influencing their spatial distribution. Given rampant degradation of vegetation and associated consequence on biodiversity, knowledge on abiotic factors influencing distribution of species along the landscape become pertinent for conservation. A study was carried out to explore abiotic factors impacting plant and animals species distribution. Soil, landform and land use/cover were studied using grids of 20 m × 20 m using FAO Guidelines for Soil Profile and Habitat Descriptions. Soils were described, sampled for laboratory analysis. Spatial distribution of plant species were determined in the grids, and along the transects, every time estimating the percent cover and describing the habitat. Distribution of animal species was studied using both small mammals and rodent burrows as proxies. Trapping was done using different traps sizes, checking daily for animal caught, counting and re-trapping. Rodent burrows were estimated in same grids by examining a width of 0.5 m from end to end of grid and total number of burrows recorded. Determination of species distribution was done using GLM regression. Results show that species are influenced by elevation, which was common to both plants and animals. Topsoil soil depth was positive to plant species whereas hillshade, surface stones, cultivation and atmospheric temperature were negatively influencing plant species. Rock outcrops, surface stones and cultivation were positively influencing small mammals distribution. It is concluded that factors influencing distribution of small mammals are elevation, surface stones, rock outcrop and cultivation. Factors influencing plant species are elevation soil depth whereas cultivation, hillshade, surface stone and rock out crops negatively impact distribution. For conservation, it is recommended that the best steps are to stop human activities leading to depletion of plant species and accelerating soil erosion and allow for self-regeneration. Control of soil erosion strongly recommended as way of plant species re-establishment.
Effect of conservational tillage on soil loss and plant nutrient status on vegetable yield, Northern slopes of Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania
(2010) Msita, H. B.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Kilasara, M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Ndyetabula, D. K.; Deckers, J. A.; Poesen, J.
The study was conducted to evaluate effects of conservational tillage on vegetable production on the northeastern part of Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania. Six treatments such as control conservational tillage; conservational tillage with manure; conservational tillage with insitu composting; control traditional tillage; traditional terrace with manure and traditional tillage with in situ composting were examined. Nutrient levels were determined from soil before and after harvest and from plant samples after harvest. Soil losses were assessed by collecting runoff using polyethylene troughs for each treatment. Analysis of variance and Multiple range test (P=0.05) was done to test the effect of the treatments. The differences (P=0.05) on soil loss, plant nutrient status and vegetable yield were observed. All conservational treatments gave high fresh yield (4.3–44.7 ton/ha), high nutrient retention (N% 0.11–0.14, P% 5.17– 16.33, K% 0.33-0.36) and experienced low soil losses (0.49, 0.54 to 0.65 ton/ha/season). While the opposite was true for traditional treatments lower fresh yield (0.9–13.9 ton/ha), low nutrient retention (N% 0.10–0.11, P% 0.91–4.00 and K% 0.29–0.32) and high soil losses (0.54, 0.83 to 1.26 ton/ha/season) at P=0.05. It was concluded from this study that the conservational tillage for vegetable production on sloping land ranging from 20 to 80 percent was the best practice resulting in increased crop yield, nutrient uptake, plant nutrient retention, and reduced soil loss.
The effect of soil physical properties and soil microclimate on rodent burrows’ abundance and their characteristics in Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(ournal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2014-12-16) Meliyo, Joel, L.; Brabers, Leon; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.; Kihupi, N. I.; Deckers, Jozef, A.; Gulinck, Hubert; Leirs, Herwig
The present study was carried out between September 2009 and June 2013 in Western Usambara Mountains plague focus with the aim of establishing the influence of selected soil physical properties and soil microclimate on rodent burrows’ abundance, portal orientation and use. Two landscapes with high and medium plague frequencies in Lokome and Lukozi villages were studied. In the two landscapes data were collected from 117 and 200 observation sites respectively, using 100 m x 200 m quadrats. At each quadrat crossing, a sample quadrat of 20 m x 20 m was demarcated for scanning rodent burrows whereby burrows encountered were counted and their portal orientation and burrow use described. Within each sample quadrat, selected soil physical properties including thickness of the soil genetic horizons and soil dry consistence were determined. Soil samples were collected from each horizon for laboratory texture analysis. Temperature (surface and subsurface to a depth 10 cm) and relative humidity at a depth of 10 and 30 cm were collected using infrared, thermo-couple thermometers and i-Buttons. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and logistic regression were used to analyse the data by R-software. There were significant (P=.0001) differences between the two landscapes regarding topsoil depth, infrared temperature, relative humidity and rodent burrows’ abundance. In the high plague frequency landscape there was a significant influence (P=.05) of topsoil horizon thickness on rodent burrows’ abundance and use. Results also indicate that soil temperature to a depth of 10 cm was significantly (P=.05) correlated with rodent burrow use. Likewise, in the medium plague frequency landscape, soil physical properties and soil microclimate significantly (P=.0001) discouraged rodent burrowing. It was concluded that soil physical and soil microclimate encouraged and discouraged burrowing in the high and the medium plague frequency landscapes, respectively. The landscape with high rodent burrows’ abundance corresponded with high plague frequency records.
Effectiveness of mulching under miraba in controlling soil erosion, fertility restoration and crop yield in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Wiley Online Library, 2014-09-23) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean
Soil erosion is a major threat to food security in rural areas of Africa. Field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2014 in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting climatic conditions in Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of mulching in reducing soil erosion and restoring soil fertility for productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) under miraba, a unique indigenous soil conservation measure in the area. Soil loss was significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching, for example, 35 versus 20 and 13 versus 8 Mg ha 1 y 1 for Majulai and Migambo villages, respectively, in 2012. Soil fertility status was significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under miraba sole, for example, 0·35 versus 0·25% total N, 37 versus 22 mg kg 1 P and 0·6 versus 0·2 cmol(+) kg 1 K for the Majulai village; and 0·46 versus 0·38 total N, 17·2 versus 10·2 mg kg 1 P and 0·50 versus 0·2 cmol(+) kg 1 K for the Migambo village. Maize and bean yields (Mg ha 1 ) were significantly higher (p < 0·05) under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under miraba sole, 2·0 versus 1·3 for maize and 0·9 versus 0·8 for beans in Majulai; and 3·8 versus 2·6 for maize and 1·0 versus 0·8 for beans in the Migambo village in 2012. This implies that Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yield than Tithonia, although both could potentially protect the arable land from degradation caused by water erosion under miraba. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-16) Mwango, S. B.; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, P. W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, J.; Poesen, J.; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Indigenous soil conservation measures such as miraba have been widely used in Usambara Mountains for controlling soil erosion but with little success. On-farm runoff experiments were set from 2011–2014 on Acrisols in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting agro-ecological conditions in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of miraba and miraba with various mulching materials in reducing runoff, soil and nutrient losses and improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results show that mean annual runoff coefficients (mm mm-1) ranged from 0.72 for cropland with no soil conservation measure (control) to 0.15 for cropland with miraba and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching in Majulai village and respectively from 0.68 to 0.13 in Migambo village. Soil loss was significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with either Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) or Tithonia mulching e. g. 184 vs. 20 in Majulai and 124 vs. 8 Mg ha-1 year-1 in Migambo village in 2012. The Pfactors were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching in Majulai village (0.18 vs. 0.11) and in Migambo village (0.10 vs. 0.05).The annual nutrient losses in kg ha-1yr-1 were significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with mulching 367 vs. 37 total N, 0.8 vs. 0.1 P and 14 vs. 4 K for Majulai village; 474 vs. 26 total N, 0.7 vs. 0.1 P and 20 vs. 1.2 K for Migambo village in 2012. Maize and bean yields were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under control (e.g. 2.0 vs. 0.7 Mg ha-1 for maize in Majulai in 2012). Thus miraba with Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yields than miraba with Tithonia and miraba sole.
Effectiveness of selected soil conservation practices on soil erosion control and crop yields in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-16) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean; Massawe, I.; Samwel, J.
Indigenous soil conservation measures such as miraba have been widely used in Usambara Mountains for controlling soil erosion but with little success. On-farm runoff experiments were set from 2011–2014 on Acrisols in Majulai and Migambo villages with contrasting agro-ecological conditions in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of miraba and miraba with various mulching materials in reducing runoff, soil and nutrient losses and improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results show that mean annual runoff coefficients (mm mm -1 ) ranged from 0.72 for cropland with no soil conservation measure (control) to 0.15 for cropland with miraba and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching in Majulai village and respectively from 0.68 to 0.13 in Migambo village. Soil loss was significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with either Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) or Tithonia -1 -1 mulching e. g. 184 vs. 20 in Majulai and 124 vs. 8 Mg ha year in Migambo village in 2012. The P- factors were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba sole than under miraba with mulching in Majulai village (0.18 vs. 0.11) and in Migambo village (0.10 vs. 0.05).The annual nutrient losses in kg ha -1 yr -1 were significantly (P = .05) higher under control than under miraba with mulching 367 vs. 37 total N, 0.8 vs. 0.1 P and 14 vs. 4 K for Majulai village; 474 vs. 26 total N, 0.7 vs. 0.1 P and 20 vs. 1.2 K for Migambo village in 2012. Maize and bean yields were significantly (P = .05) higher under miraba with Tughutu mulching than under control (e.g. 2.0 vs. 0.7 Mg ha -1 for maize in Majulai in 2012). Thus miraba with Tughutu mulching is more effective in improving crop yields than miraba with Tithonia and miraba sole.
Environmental profile for agricultural production and development of conservation strategies in Mahenge village, Mbinga district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture and ARI Mlingano, 1996) Maggogo, J. P.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.
Factors influencing soil distribution and their implication for agricultural land management in Morogoro urban District, Tanzania
(2000-04) Msanya, B. M.; Mbogoni, J. D. J.; Kimaro, D. N.; kimbi, G. G.; Kilasara, M.; Deckers, J.S.
A standard soil and land resources survey was conducted in Morogoro Urban District, Tanzania to investigate the factors influencing characteristics and spatial distribution of soils and their implication for land management. Landforms, parent materials, climate, soil morphological, physicochemical and mineralogical properties were the main attributes studied. Soils were classified according to the FAO-World Reference Basefor Soil Resources. Six major landforms were identified namely; strongly dissected mountain ridges, mountain foothills, hills, piedmonts, peneplains and valleys. The strongly dissected mountain ridges comprise complex soils developed on pyroxene granulites. The soils include shallow, excessively drained sandy clay loams and deep well drained sandy clays and clays. The soils were classified as Lithic-Paralithic Leptosols, Hapli-Profondic Lixisols, Orthidystri-Episkeletic Cambisols and Hypereutri-Episkeletic Cambisols (Haplic). The hills are a complex of rock outcrops and shallow soils developed on muscovite-biotite migmatites. The soils are excessively drained, extremely gravely sandy loams and sandy clay loams. The soils were classified as Lithic Leptosols. The piedmonts and peneplains comprise largely associations of deep and very deep, well drained clays and sandy clays. These soils developed on colluvium derived from granulites and migmatites were classified as Chromi-Profondic Acrisols, Chromi-Profondic Lixisols, Rhodi-Profondic Luvisols and Cutani-Profondic Luvisols (Haplic). In the valleys, the soils are developed on alluvium of diverse mineralogical composition and are a complex of Calcari- and Stagni-Mollic Fluvisols and Calcari-Salic Vertisols. All the studied soils except those of the valleys have low soil fertility as shown by low organic carbon «1.0%), low levels of major nutrients (nitrogen <0.1%, phosphorus <5 mg/kg) and low CEC «12.0 cmol(+)lkg soil). Although the soils of the valleys are fertile, they are characterised by one or more of the following problems: poor drainage condition, high alkalinity and salinity (ESP >5%) and difficult workability. The results of this study show a close relationship between landforms, parent materials and soil types. The paper establishes some land qualities which are important for sustainable agricultural land management in the district.
Human activity spaces and plague risks in three contrasting landscapes in Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Hieronimo, Proches; Gulinck, Hubert; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.
Since 1980 plague has been a human threat in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. However, the spatial-temporal pattern of plague occurrence remains poorly understood. The main objective of this study was to gain understanding of human activity patterns in relation to spatial distribution of fleas in Lushoto District. Data were collected in three landscapes differing in plague incidence. Field survey coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) and physical sample collections were used to collect data in wet (April to June 2012) and dry (August to October 2012) seasons. Data analysis was done using GIS, one-way ANOVA and nonparametric statistical tools. The degree of spatial co- occurrence of potential disease vectors (fleas) and humans in Lushoto focus differs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the selected landscapes, and in both seasons. This trend gives a coarse indication of the possible association of the plague outbreaks and the human frequencies of contacting environments with fleas. The study suggests that plague surveillance and control programmes at landscape scale should consider the existence of plague vector contagion risk gradient from high to low incidence landscapes due to human presence and intensity of activities.
The influence of selected soil conservation practices on soil properties and crop yields in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-08) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Kimaro, D. N.; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, J.; Nzunda, I.; Ringo, S.
The Usambara Mountains in Tanzania are severely affected by soil erosion which has led to deterioration of soil properties and reduced crop productivity. Indigenous soil erosion control measures such as miraba which are widely practised in the area have yielded little success. Field plot experiments were laid down in Majulai and Migambo villages from 2011 – 2014 on typical soils of the area (Acrisols). The aim was to single out soil properties developed under the studied soil conservation practices and their impact on crop productivity with reference to maize (Zea mays) and 2+ 2+ + beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results showed that total N, OC, available P, Ca , Mg , K and Ph were powerful (P = .05) attributes that discriminated conservation measures. Magnitudes of the discriminating attributes followed the trend: miraba with Tughutu (Vernonia myriantha) mulching >miraba with Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) mulching > miraba sole > cropl and with no ‘Soil and Water Conservation’ (SWC) measures (control). Contents ofmicro-nutrients did not differ significantly with SWC measures except for Zn which was significantly (P = .05) lowin the control. Bulk density and available moisture content (AMC) were also strong discriminators of conservation measures. Maize and bean grain yields differed significantly (P = .05)with the trend: miraba with Tughutu > miraba with Tithonia > miraba sole > control in both villages. Crop yields under miraba were a 2 2+ + 2 function of AMC and pH (R = 0.71); AMC, available P, Ca and K (R = 0.89) under miraba with 2+ + 2 Tithonia mulching; AMC, available P, Ca and K (R = 0.90) under miraba with Tughutu mulching. These findings imply that miraba with Tughutu mulching had greater potential in improving soil properties and crop yields than miraba with Tithonia mulching and miraba sole.
Integrating land cover and terrain characteristics to explain plague risks in Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania: a geospatial approach
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Hieronimo, Proches; Meliyo, Joel; Gulinck, Hubert; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.
Literature suggests that higher resolution remote sensing data integrated in Geographic Information System (GIS) can provide greater possibility to refine the analysis of land cover and terrain characteristics for explanation of abundance and distribution of plague hosts and vectors and hence of health risk hazards to humans. These technologies are not widely used in East Africa for studies on diseases including plague. The objective of this study was to refine the analysis of single and combined land cover and terrain characteristics in order to gain an insight into localized plague infection risks in the West Usambara Mountains in north-eastern Tanzania. The study used a geospatial approach to assess the influence of land cover and terrain factors on the abundance and spatial distribution of plague hosts (small mammals) and plague vectors (fleas). It considered different levels of scale and resolution. Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) statistical method was used to clarify the relationships between land cover and terrain variables with small mammals and fleas. Results indicate that elevation positively influenced the presence of small mammals. The presence of fleas was clearly influenced by land management features such as miraba. Medium to high resolution remotely sensed data integrated in a GIS have been found to be quite useful in this type of analysis. These findings contribute to efforts on plague surveillance and awareness creation among communities on the probable risks associated with various landscape factors during epidemics.
Land resources inventory and suitability assessment for the major land use types in Morogoro urban district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Kileo, E. P.; Kimbi, G. G.; Mbogoni, Joseph J. D. J.
Land resources inventory and suitability assessment of Morogoro Urban District was carried out to asses the potentials and constraints of the various land units for the production of smallholder low input rainfed maize, rice, sorghum, beans, banana and vegetables. The study covered a total area of approximately 52,125 ha. Morogoro Urban District is situated almost at the heart of Morogoro District, between latitudes 6 o 37 and 6 o 55S and longitudes 37 o 33 and 37 o 51E. The district is bordered by Uluguru Mountains on the south eastern side and Mindu and Nguru ya Ndege hills on the western side. A bigger part of the district comprises plains of various forms and areal extent. Relief and slope aspect have a great influence on the climate of the district. Areas higher in the landscape such as the Morningside are cooler than those lower in the landscape such as Tungi. The trend of rainfall reveals a similar influence of altitude on rainfall. Rainfall is higher at high altitudes and tends to be lower at low altitudes. Areas on the leeward side of the Uluguru Mountains receive relatively lower rainfall than those on the windward side. The onset dates for rainfall are unreliable, although the rainy season continues for 4 to 5 months. During the growing period, rainfall is lowest in the month of May whereas peak rainfall is normally received in April. Climatic data of the district reveal a gradual decrease in rainfall from the east towards the west and northwest. In the Tungi-Mkonowamara areas a rather dry condition prevails. The SUA-Kingolwira areas receive relatively more rainfall than Tungi-Mkonowamara area. This trend can be attributed to the rainshadow effect of the Uluguru Mountains. The geology of Morogoro Urban District comprises four major rock/lithology types. These include hornblende-pyroxene granulites, muscovite-biotite gneiss and migmatites, colluvium and alluvium. The hornblende-pyroxene granulites are the dominant rock types and occupy the major part of the Uluguru Mountains and foothills. The dominant minerals in these rocks are calcium-rich plagioclase, hypersthene ((Mg,Fe)SiO 3 ) and diopside (Ca,MgSi 2 O 6 ). The muscovite-biotite gneisses and migmatites are dominant in the Mindu-Lugala hills and a bigger part of the Tungi-Mkonowamara peneplains. They are of a high metamorphic grade containing equal amounts of potassium-feldspars (microcline) and sodium-rich plagioclase (oligoclase). Quartz is present in fairly high amounts. Colluvial materials of diverse mineralogical composition dominate most of the piedmont slopes and peneplains. Alluvial materials are dominant in the river terraces and flood plains. Climate and its effects on geological processes influence evolution of landforms in the study area. Marked influence on landforms by water erosion as well as colluvio-alluvial processes were observed in the field and through soil profile development. In the current study, six major landform types were identified in the district. The landforms of the Uluguru Mountains display a marked variation in altitude, relief and intensity of dissection. The strongly dissected ridges (1500-2000 m asl) are a manifestation ofMsanya et al. v intense erosion in form of mass movements. The Uluguru mountain foothills (600-900 m asl) are predominantly steep convex slopes. The Mindu-Lugala hills situated at an altitude range of 700-1100 m asl are strongly dissected with hilly topography. The Mzinga-Bigwa piedmonts consist of glacis and alluvial fans. They are gently sloping and are characterised by moderate to severe erosion. Extensive areas of alluvial fans and hill wash sands are found around the strongly dissected Mindu-Lugala hills. Whereas the piedmont slopes associated with the Uluguru Mountains are gently undulating, those of the Mindu-Lugala hills have an undulating topography. Other major important landforms in the district are the peneplains which are situated at an altitude of 300-600 m asl. The peneplains consist of ridge summits and slopes alternating with narrow valley bottoms. The valleys, being flat to almost flat with river terraces and flood plains occurring at an altitudes lower than 400 m asl. Climate, landform patterns and parent materials have had profound influence on types and distribution of soils in the district. Soil profile development reveals marked influence of mass removal of soils by water erosion particularly mass movements in the mountains and colluvio-alluvial processes in the piedmont slopes and peneplains. There is a considerable variation in soil depth, texture, drainage condition and soil chemical properties among the landform units. The mountain ridge slopes have relatively shallow soils and gravely soil textures. This can be attributed to severe erosion caused by mass removal of soil materials mainly by high rainfall. The piedmont slopes and peneplains with colluvial material derived from granulites and mixed gneisses have very deep soils with high amounts of clay content. This is due to constant addition of new soil materials and in situ weathering coupled with low rate of erosion. Landforms associated with migmatites like Mindu-Lugala piedmont slopes and Tungi Mkonowamara peneplains have the highest amount of sand content. This can be explained by the nature of the parent materials which are richer in felsic minerals. Valley soils have medium textures and are stratified as a result of cyclic deposition of materials of diverse origin. The mineralogy of the soils of the Uluguru Mountains, the piedmont slopes and the peneplains are mainly kaolinitic. The soils of the mountain ridges have high content of gibbsite in the clay fraction, which can be attributed to rapid weathering and strong leaching caused by high rainfall and excessive drainage. Soils of the river terraces and flood plains have relatively high contents of smectite and illite in the clay fraction, revealing the relative young age of the soils. Soils of the mountains are slightly acidic to acidic (pH<5.5). Piedmonts have nearly neutral reaction (pH 6.0-7.5) except for the glacis which are strongly acidic (pH<5.5). Most soils of the peneplains are moderately acid except for those associated with migmatites, which are strongly acid (pH<5.5). Valleys have nearly neutral to alkaline soils with ESP ranging between 5 and 37%. Organic carbon and nitrogen levels for all soils are very low with values less than 1.0% and 0.1% respectively. Available P is alsoMsanya et al. vi low (<5 mg/kg). Nutrient retention capacity of soils is low (CEC <12 cmol(+)/kg) except in the valleys where nutrient retention is high (CEC 20-30 cmol(+)/kg ). According to FAO-World Reference Base nine major soil types were identified and classified. The soils of the strongly dissected mountain ridge slopes are Leptosols, Lixisols, Luvisols and Cambisols. Dominant soils on the piedmonts and peneplains are Lixisols and Acrisols while the ridge side slopes on the peneplains have soils classified as Cambisols. The soils of the river terraces and flood plains are Fluvisols, Vertisols and Gleysols while those of the Mindu hills and surrounding areas are classified as Leptosols, Cambisols and Arenosols. Six major land utilisation types namely; smallholder low input rainfed maize, rice, sorghum, beans, bananas and vegetables were identified and evaluated in Morogoro Urban District. Land suitability classification indicates that, none of the land mapping units is highly suitable for all the studied land utilisation types. This is because its natural fertility has been depleted over time through leaching, erosion and nutrient mining through continuous cropping. Among the six LUTs, vegetable production was more suited to the area for it could be grown in about 80% of the area. Beans rank the second followed by maize. Sorghum was found to be the fourth LUT in the area while rice was the least. Moisture supply soil fertility and erosion hazards are among the most limiting factors for production of most crops in the area. Deliberate efforts should be taken to establish critical zones for afforestation, reduce burning through introduction of by laws and appropriate training programmes, use of grass barriers and cultivation of perennial crops. Further research on soil erosion particularly mass movements, gullying and sheet wash is prerequisite in order to come up with acceptable soil conservation packages for the district. It is strongly suggested that emphasis should be put on the use of organic and non acidifying fertilisers and afforestation of hilltops. Use of indigenous fertilisers such as rock phosphate and manures could immensely contribute to the improvement of soil fertility in Morogoro Urban District. Water harvesting techniques, growing of drought tolerant crops and use of organic fertilisers will improve the sustainability of agricultural production in the area. The focus should be on the use of integrated nutrient management techniques. Provision of drainage systems in the poorly drained areas will control and keep the ground water levels low. This will also enhance regular flushing of the soils thus avoiding the building up of harmful levels of salts. Saline soils could also be managed through proper crop selection and planting of saline tolerant crops. Sorghum withstands poor drainage condition and can cope very well with drought and saline conditions.Msanya et al. vii Frequent floods especially by the Ngerengere river could be reduced by flood protection works like construction of ditches and dikes with outlets to the present natural drainage system. Agricultural mechanisation and use of organic fertilisers will in the long run improve soil structure of the lands in the district and ultimately enhance soil workability.
Land suitability evaluation for the production of the major crops in the southwestern part of the Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro rural district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Mwango, Sibaway, B.; Kimbi, Gerald, G.; Kileo, Emmanuel, P.
Land evaluation study was conducted on the southwestern slopes of the Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania to assess the potentials and constraints of the various land units for the production of low input rainfed cabbage, round potato and arabica coffee. The study area is located between latitudes 7 o 0000 and 7 o 1123.5S and longitudes 37 o 3000 and 37 o 3836.6E covering the villages of Kibaoni, Langali, Bunduki, Bumu, Kikeo, Luale, Mwarazi, Nyandira, Kibuko and Tchenzema. The areal extent is 419.64 km 2 (41,964 ha) with an average elevation ranging between 900 - 2700 m a.s.l. The mean annual rainfall in the study area ranges from 1065 mm to 2450 mm. The rainfall distribution pattern is monomodal with the rainy season starting from December to May. The peak rainfall occurs in April in most places of the study area. The high altitude areas receive more rainfall than the lower areas. In some areas rainfall distribution tends more to be bimodal with two peaks occurring in October and in April. There is considerable temperature variability in the study area with the mean monthly temperature ranging from 17.4 o C (July) to 22.4 o C (December). At high elevations temperatures are much cooler. The shortest reference length of growing period is 180 days while the longest is 270 days. The geology of the study area consists of a mixture of banded pyroxene granulites with occasional biotite-rich bands, foliated mica gneisses, hornblende gneisses and granulites and some iron-rich meta-anorthositic rocks, all belonging to the Usagaran system. In some places alluvial deposits and kaolinitic clays of Neogene age are found. The study area consists of strongly dissected mountains with very steep plateau and ridge slopes of about 30-60% and narrow valleys and incisions. Lukwangule plateau is the highest peak in the study area reaching an altitude of 2,623 m a.s.l. The Lukwangule plateau is only slightly dissected and the surface forms quite a mature relief. Two distinct drainage patterns exist in the study area. A sub-radial pattern which is related to the horse-shoe of high mountains from Mkumbaku through Lukwangule and Magari to Lupanga, which is currently represented by some of the larger rivers such as Mngazi, Mbakana and, in part, the Mgeta. A rectilinear pattern is exhibited where secondary streams and many main rivers show adjustment to geological structure and rock type. The pattern of the minor rivers follows the geological structure more closely and has resulted in river capture, reversed drainage and wind gaps. The edge of the meta-anorthosite is marked by the Mgeta, Mfunesi and Lukangazi river valleys for about two-thirds of its circumference, and this weakness is presumably the cause of the spiral course of the Mgeta River as it cuts back along the junction of rocks, capturing successively all the radial drainage from the north and west of the high level plateaux.
Land use and land evaluation Systems Research Project
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Kimaro, D. N.; Msanya, B. M.; Maggogo, J. P.; Msaky, J. J.; Araki, S.; Hirai, H.
Land use determinants of small mammal abundance and distribution in a plague endemic area of Lushoto District, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Hieronimo, Proches; Kimaro, D. N.; Kihupi, Nganga I.; Gulinck, Hubert; Mulungu, Loth S.; Msanya, B. M.; Leirs, Herwing; Deckers, J.
Small mammals are considered to be involved in the transmission cycle of bubonic plague, still occurring in different parts of the world, including the Lushoto District in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between land use types and practices and small mammal abundance and distribution. A field survey was used to collect data in three landscapes differing in plague incidences. Data collection was done both in the wet season (April-June 2012) and dry season (August- October 2012). Analysis of variance and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) modelling technique were used to establish the relationship between land use and small mammal abundance and distribution. Significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) of small mammal abundance among land use types were identified. Plantation forest with farming, natural forest and fallow had higher populations of small mammals than the other aggregated land use types. The influence of individual land use types on small mammal abundance level showed that, in both dry and wet seasons, miraba and fallow tended to favour small mammals’ habitation whereas land tillage practices had the opposite effect. In addition, during the wet season crop types such as potato and maize appeared to positively influence the distribution and abundance of small mammals which was attributed to both shelter and food availability. Based on the findings from this study it is recommended that future efforts to predict and map spatial and temporal human plague infection risk at fine scale should consider the role played by land use and associated human activities on small mammal abundance and distribution.
Landform and surface attributes for prediction of rodent burrows in the Western Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014-07) Meliyo, Joel, L.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Hieronimo, Proches; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, N. I.; Deckers, Jozef, A.; Gulinck, Hubert; Leirs, Herwig
Previous studies suggest that rodent burrows, a proxy for rodent population are important for predicting plague risk areas. However, studies that link landform, surface attributes and rodent burrows in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania are scanty. Therefore, this study was conducted in plague endemic area of the Western Usambara Mountains in northern, Tanzania, to explore the relationship between rodent burrows, and landform and surface attributes. The study was carried out in three areas corresponding to high (Lokome), medium (Lukozi) and low (Mwangoi) frequency of reported plague cases. Data were collected from 117, 200 and 170 observation sites for Lokome, Lukozi and Mwangoi, respectively using 100 m x 200 m quadrats. Remote sensing and field surveys were used to collect data on landform and surface attributes. Rodent burrows were surveyed and quantified by counting the number of burrows in 20m x 20m grids demarcated on the main 100m x 200m quadrats. The collected data were analysed in R software using boosted regression trees (BRT) technique. Rodent burrows were found at an elevation of above 1600m in the high and medium plague frequency landscapes. No burrows were found in the low plague frequency landscape situated below 1500m. BRT analysis shows a significant relationship between landform characteristics and rodent burrows in both high and medium plague frequency landscapes. Overall, elevation and hillshade are the most important determinants of rodent burrow distribution in the studied landscapes. It is concluded that in high altitudes, specific landform attributes (hill-shade, slope, elevation) and vegetation cover- favour rodent burrowing.
Magnitude of soil erosion on the northern slope of the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania: Interrill and rill erosion
(Elsevier, 2008) Kimaro, D. N.; Poesen, J.; Msanya, B. M.; Deckers, J. A.
The magnitude of interrill and rill erosion was determined on the northern slopes of the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania which is representative for larger areas of East African Arch Mountains, where population pressure is high and land degradation is severe. The aim of the study was to develop a database to support soil conservation in the area. The study was done on two distinct geomorphic units with respect to altitude and hence rainfall distribution pattern: mountain ridges with an altitude ranging from 1000 to 1500 masl and mean annual rainfall of 2300 mm and mountain foothills whose altitude and mean annual rainfall are 550 to 900 masl and 900 mm, respectively. Total soil loss was measured on 36 individual bounded plots measuring 1.2 m × 20 m using Gerlarch troughs on each day with rain from July 2000 to June 2001. The plots were located on six different geopedologic units, nine on mountain ridges and the rest on the mountain foothills. The slope gradient on the terrain ranged from 30% to 70%. The plots were put under maize cultivation as the main crop. Soil loss through rill erosion was estimated by volumetric measurements of rills on each soil erosion plot. The soil loss due to interrill erosion was obtained by subtracting soil loss through rill erosion from the total soil loss measured in the Gerlarch troughs. The results indicate that soil loss due to both interrill and rill erosion was very high with mean soil loss of 69 and 163 t/ha/year, respectively. Rill erosion accounted for about 58% of the total soil loss while interrill erosion contributed to the remaining 42%. Both interrill and rill erosion were higher in the mountain ridges with mean soil loss of 88 t/ha/year and 210 t/ha/year compared to 49 and 116 t/ha/year in the mountain foothills, respectively. Rill erosion was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) in all geopedologic units with slope gradient above 40% (mean soil loss ranged between 91 and 258 t/ha/year) compared to interrill erosion with mean soil loss varying from 41 to 115 t/ha/year. In geopedologic units with slope gradient above 60% both interrill and rill erosion were highly active while in geopedologic units with slope gradient below 40% the two processes were less active. The results demonstrate that rill erosion is more important than interrill erosion in the study area particularly where the slope gradient exceeds 40%. The results further show that the major part of the studied area has moderate interrill erosion (10–50 t/ha/year) and severe to very severe (N 100 t/ha/year) rill erosion. This study clarifies the magnitude of interrill and rill erosion which is important for designing soil conservation on agricultural fields.