Department of Soil and Geological Sciences

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Pedological and edaphological properties of the soils of two soil associations in the Morogoro area, Tanzania
(Trop. Agric. (Trinidad), 1982) Moberg, J. P.; Msanya, B. M.; Kilasara, M.
Pedological and edaphological properties of two soil associations forming a continuum from the Uluguru \mountain ranges to the Mindu mountain in the Morogoro area, Tanzania, have been investigated. The general /eatures of the area, including climate, geology and vegetation are discussed as is the movement of soluble salts on the slopes and its effects on soil composition. The investigation shows that there is a close connection between the three soil forming factors, climate, parent material, and relief and the mineral composition of the soils and their edaphological properties. This means that a thorough understanding of the soil forming factors and the soil development processes provides a key to land use evaluation of an area like this, where soil data often are lacking.
Soil classification, pedogenesis and land evaluation in Kapini area Lusaka, Zambia.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1983) Kaltia,Cuulu
Back ground -information related to classification, pedogeneiis and laud evaluation is briefly given. It includes information on geology, geomorphology, topography, drainage, climate and vegetation. Literature on soil classification in relation to local and inter-■:n-3ti&2.yl classification systems is reviewed. Literature review on. pedogenesis critically focus on soil genesis work in Zambia in relation to important soil’ formng factors.International and local land evaluation systems are reviewed.together with concepts that are not used consistently and have often caused lots of confusion in land evaluation. The results of the study can briefly be summarised as follows: 1.The soils are classified, into four major orders:Ultisols, Alfisols and InceptIsols.Oxisols, (Soil Survey Staff 1975) or as Ferralsols, Luvisols, Acrisols, Hegosols and Lithosols (PJL.O./craESCO 1974). Classification is pursued up to the family level and sub-unit level respectively*. 2.The major processes which are important in pedogenesis are:Eluviation, illuviation, Cumilation, Pedoturbation, Desilication,Fertilization Decomposition and Synthesis.be the most important soil forming factor.Geology was found.to the most important soil forming factor. 3.Most of the soils in the area are moderately suitable to crop production (60^).- The major limitation to crop production are fertility (for the Oxisols), flooding, moisture availability, stoniness; and rooting depth« 4.Socio-economically the area is not suited to cash crop production at subsistence and intermediate management levels* 5.The area has a high potential for crop production especially with improved management.level'*
Soil survey amd land evaluation of a part of the university farm - Morogoro for rainfed agriculture
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1984) Mpepo,Haston Longwani James
Lack of a systematic and detailed soil survey and land evaluation report for guiding the utilization of the farm necessitated this study.About 1, 097 ha comprising the Northern part of trie farm was covered. It is possible to grow maize, sorghum, soyabeans, fieldbeans, ground- nuts and rice. J
Classification of soil profiles from alluvial plains of greece (thessaly and pelopennesos) according to the USDA and FAO soil taxonomy systems
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1986) Ala Loannis
Fifty profiles are studied for reclassification according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy System, The data come from soil surveys and investigations carried out since 1977 by the Institute of Soil Classification and Mapping of Larissa and by the Agriculture Faculty of Athens. According to the USDA Soil Taconomy Stystem (1975) the studied profiles are classified in five orders i.e. Mollisols, Entisols, Vertisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols, 7 suborders, 7 great groups, 20 subgroups. In the FAO-Unesco system they fall among the Gleysols, Fluvisols, Regosols, Luvisols, Vertisols, Cambisols and among 15 subunits. There were not sufficient data for the classification purposes and this as well for the chemical analyses (base saturation, cation exchange capacity, extractable cations, sulfidic material, C/N ratio, sometimes organic matter content and amorphous material) as for the particle size analysis (fine sand, fine clay), the physical analyses (bulk density, water retension capacity, n-value, Cole), the mineralogical analyses (clay mineralogy, amorphous minerals, weatherable minirals of 20-200 micron size) and the field observa tions (designation of organic matter, rubbed, dry and moist colour, colour, quantity and size of mottles, depth of cracking pattern, presence of pyroclas tic material, presence of ground water table, orientation, vegetation). Finally many of the chemical analysis should be considered as not accurate
Tableland soil of North-Eastern Brazil:characterization, genesis and classification
(State University of Ghent, 1986) Barrera, Daniel
The coastal low level tablelands of the State of Alagoas are located in the north-eastern region of Brazil between 8° 25' and 10° 20' south latitude, and from 35° 10’ to 37° 15' west longitude of Greenwich. These surfaces formed by Tertiary Sediments are flat or slightly undulated with slopes rarely higher than 4%. It enjoys a tropical climate with a dry summer and a constant temperature throughout the year. The dominant vegetation is formed by the so-called "Atlantic Forest", presenting also minor areas of "Cerrado". Nine profiles corresponding to the soil types present in, a) the well drained surfaces of the tablelands - which classify as Oxisols, Ultisols and Oxisol-Ultisol intergrades -, and b) in poorly drained depressions - classified as Spodo-sols -, were selected for this work. The influence of the morphogenesis of the landscape and the topographical location on soil development is evident from the soils studied. The properties of the soils are strongly related to geomorphic processes. The soils were characterized in terms of their morphological, physico-chamical, mineralogical and micromorphological properties. The sedimentological analysis of the sand fraction(63 - 2000ym) was also carried out. The mineralogy of the sand fraction is similar in all profiles. The light minerals are dominant ( 91-98% ) and almost entirely composed of quartz grains and no more than traces of feldspars. In the heavy fraction the opaques are dominant, ( 84-92% ); among the transparent minerals zircon dominates, followed by tourmaline and rutile. The composition of the clay fraction is also very similar throughout the region, dominated by kaolinite and minoramounts of gibbsite and oxi-hydroxides of iron and aluminium. With the sole exception of profile 2, all the soils are developed from highly uniform parent materials. At the sametime the parent materials of the different soils are also mutually very similar from sedimentological point of view. " Selective erosion 11 of fine soil components as a consequence of run-off is throughout the plateaux the dominant morphogenetic process, which influences the physico-chemical properties, the classification and the distribution of the soils in the landscape. The micromorphological analysis indicates similar features among the dominant soils of the area; and that the illuviation of clay is present in all profiles, which however is not manifested as clay skins in the field as a result of poor structure development. The soils were classified according to Soil Taxonomy, FAO/UNESCO, the Brazilian System of Soil Classification and under the I.N.E.A.C. ( Zaire ) System.
Bodemkundige inventarissen : kwaliteit en evaluatie karakterizering, van hun geschiktheid voor specifiek landgebruik / Soil resource inventories : characterization, quality and evaluation of for their adequacy specific land use
(State University of Ghent, Belgium, 1987) Msanya, Balthazar M.
In many countries a lot of soil resource inventories (SRIs) particularly soil surveys have been made and are still being made. Their objectives are generally well stipulated and known, yet there are indications that these documents are not sufficiently being used both in developing and developed countries. It is against this background that the present study was started. The intention has been to look for ways of characterizing SRIs and to evaluate their adequacy for specified land uses. This way it was hoped that reasons behind the limited use of such documents could be identified and hence help to frame recommendations for future soil inventories. The data base in this study comprises (a) a total of 176 soil survey reports (including accompanying maps) from 46 countries, (b) 70 70 completed questionnaires from soil surveyors representing 40 countries and (c) 94 completed questionnaires from users of soil maps and reports representing 35 countries. Using the 176 SRIs, a general inventory of the documents was made as a first attempt to characterize them. Then indices to characterize the SRIs in terms of their cartographic attributes were developed. These indices were highly correlated with each other. Other observations on cartographic attributes indicated that (a) the concept of map linear reduction factors is not consistently used and (b) information on soil description sites is only rarely given in SRIs. In relation to the information content of map legends and soil reports it was observed that (a) most SRIs are produced by free survey method; (b) the most commonly used attributes in soil mapping are texture, drainage, landform, topography, parent material and soil depth; (c) information on density of field observations is often lacking in SRIs and is commonly vaguely presented; (d) USDA and FAO/Unesco classification systems are the most widely used internationally; (e) most SRIs contain interpretive data and (f) information on purity of mapping units is often not given in SRIs and in many cases only partly presented. Two methods are developd and described for estimating the utility of base maps. It was noted that many SRIs do not bear information about their compliance with specified base map accuracy standards. With regard to general legibility of SRIs, it was observed that (a) provision of instructions on how to use the SRIs is mostly neglected and (b) glossary of specialized terminology and ranges of soil properties of mapping units are commonly not provided in the documents. A method is developed and described for characterizing and systematically evaluating information given in map legends and soil reports about mapping units in function of specified land uses. Furthermore, a comprehensive method is also described for the assessment of the predictive adequacy of SRIs for three land uses in function of (a) cartographic attributes, (b) map legend and soil report attributes and (c) base map attributes. Guidelines outlining the assessment procedure are provided. This method was applied on 66 selected semi-detailed and detailed SRIs from 17 countries. Following strictly the stipulated criteria of adequacy it was found that only about 27 « of the documents are completely adequate for predicting performance of both corn and oil palm, and about 30 % can be considered adequate for predicting performance of Eucalyptus deglupta (forestry). A preliminary study on the adequacy for prediction of soil erosion hazards was done on 50 selected SRIs from 18 countries, Based on the adequacy criteria per se, it was found that most of the documents could be said to be adequate for the use in question, It was also noted that (a) although information on climate is given in all documents, winds are frequently not described; (b) information on topography is normally limited by the lack of contour lines printed with soils information or the lack of contour maps appended to the soil maps and (c) information on soil permeability is often not described. Analysis on the answers given by respondents of the questionnaire to soil surveyors shows that (a) soil surveyors to a great extent determine the nature of SRIs to be made and only occasionally do users have the opportunity to do so; (b) some terminologies and criteria used in soil survey eg. soil survey intensity, field soil mapping procedures and purity of mapping units are not conceived and used consistently; (c) most soil surveyors do not monitor utility of the SRIs they make; (d) soil maps are sometimes too complicated and (e) publicity about SRIs has not sufficiently been made. The results from the questionnaire to users of soil maps and reports indicate among other things that (a) soil surveys are still considered very important in development projects; (b) there are problems of knowing about the existence of soil maps, yet communication media such as radio, television and newspapers have not been used significantly to ameliorate the situation; (c) major problems encountered while using soil maps and reports include poor legibility, problems of location on the maps, use of vague and in some cases complicated terminology, A revised questionnaire to users of soil maps and reports has been proposed to accomodate changes that will take it more useful as a source of information. To put everything in a nutshell, it can be said that indeed, existing SRIs do present serious bottlenecks that need attention in future inventories. For this a series of recommendations has been suggested at various levels of the study.
Testing and improvement of a questionnaire to users soil maps
(Geo Abstracts Ltd, Norwich, 1987) Msanya, Balthazari, M; Langohr, R; Lopulisa, C
Ninety-four people from 35 countries responded to a questionnaire on the use of soil maps. Most respondents had used soil maps in the fields of agriculture, of forestry, soil conservation, environmental pollution and protection. 98% of the respondents had used soil maps for locating suitable areas for their professional work, 15% for teaching and research and 13% had also used soil maps to help get financial assistance. Less than half of the respondents had used interpretation maps derived from soil maps. Most maps were produced by government soil survey institutes, but 51% had also used soil maps produced by other government institutions including universities and research stations. Only 19% had used soil maps made by private soil survey organizations. Major problems encountered in using soil maps include poor legibility, problems of location on the maps, vague and complicated terminology. Most respondents felt that soil maps are essential for their projects. Only a few found soil maps completely useless. Based on the problems encountered while using soil maps, recommendations have been made to those involved in soil resource inventories. A revised questionnaire has also been proposed following comments made by the respondents of the previous one
Effects of spraying coffee with copper fungicides on the copper status of soils of Moshi district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1990) Mkindi, Gerard Isaac
A series of investigations assess the were conducted to effects of spraying coffee with copper (Cu) fungicides on the Cu status of some soils of Moshi district, Tanzania. The studies involved analysis of soil samples taken from coffee fields sprayed with Cu fungicides for durations of 10 years, 10 30 years, >30 years and from fields which have not been sprayed. Copper from the soils was extracted using 0.005M DTPA. Then three glasshouse experiments were set the effects of different Cu levels in soils pH on up to assess and soil the growth of beans and Cu concentration in shoots. In addition, coffee from selected coffee leaves were collected the fields and analysed for Cu content. The results indicated that DTPA extractable Cu in the topsoil (0-5cm) of 5.6 ppm in farms increased from an average that had never been sprayed with copper fungicides to more gave than 30 years. 186.2 ppm in farms sprayed for shorter durations of spraying intermediate values of extractable ctable Cu Cu. decreased sharply with depth. The extra Beans grown in soils ranging in DTPA Cu contents from 3.7 to 368 PPm had a shoot of 23.2 ppm and in any no of the treatments. average Cu content in the toxicity symptoms was observed. Application of 200pg Cu/kg soil increased the average Cu content of shoots to 25.6 ppm but again the plants were free from any Cu toxicity. Coffee leaves from sprayed fields contained higher levels of copper (up toGOppm) but were also free from Cu toxicity symptoms. 5.1 However, when pH was lowered to or less, copper concentration in bean shoots increased to 35 ppm or greater and caused copper toxicity to bean plants. It was concluded that spraying coffee with copper fungicides increased the amount of copper in the soil and that the largest increase occurred in the 0-5 cm layer of soil. Not the copper accumulated in the soil was toxic to either coffee or bean plants but could become toxic if the pH of the soils decreased below 5.2.
Effects of nitrogen sources and rates on soil tissue nutrient concentration and properties, yield of cotton (gossypium hirsutum l.) In soils of the university farm, Morogoro
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1990) Mwaganicha, Thobias Kinyamagoha
Pot and field experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of different rates and sources of N in soils with different initial pH on soil chemical properties, tissue nutrient concentration, growth and yield of cotton at the University Farm, Morogoro. Nitrogen rates applied were 0,150 kg N/ha and the N sources were SA, 50, 100 and urea and CAN. The soils used had initial pH values of 4.8, 6. 1 and 6.9 and were designated as strongly acid soil (SAS), moderately acid soil (MAS) and almost neutral soil (ANS), respectively. The experimental design was a split-plot with N rates as N sources as main plot and N source plots. Soil chemical properties assessed were pH, exchange able acidity, Al, bases and Mn. Concentration of N, P, Mn were determined in Ca and leaf tissues at flowering in the pot study and at flowering and boll stages of cotton development in the field experiment. Shoot dry weight, plant heights, number of fruiting branches, number of flowers, number of bolls, number of early maturing bolls, as well as seedcotton yield and one thousand seeds weight were also determined Nitrogen application above the control significantly increased exchangeable acidity and aluminium in the SAS, the effects being mainly due to different rates of SA. Other soil chemical properties in SAS and all measured properties in MAS and ANS were not significantly affected by the rates and sources of N. Nitrogen application significantly increased N concentration in leaf tissues except that of leaf blades at flowering in SAS and in both petioles and leaf blades at boll development stage in ANS. The N concentration at flowering associated with maximum seedcotton yield was 2.0% for petiole N and 4.4% for leaf blades N. While P and Ca concentrations in leaf tissues at flowering were significantly increased due to different rates of CAN, Ca concentration was significantly decreased at 150 kg N/ha applied as SA and urea in the SAS. in leaf tissues at Manganese concentration flowering was significantly increased due to various rates of SA in the SAS, and in leaf blades at flowering and boll stages of cotton development in the ANS. Shoot dry weight, branches, plant heights, number of fruiting number of flowers and number of bolls were significantly increased by N application. Were early maturing bolls not significantly affected by N application. Nitrogen sources did not significantly affect the growth and reproductive characters of cotton, except shoot dry weight in the field experiment at flowering which was significantly increased by SA. Seedcotton yield and one thousand seeds weight were significantly increased by N application, with maximum responses being at 100 kg N/ha. Nitrogen sources had no significant effects on the yield components of cotton in the ANS. Nitrogen concentration in leaf tissues was significantly correlated with shoot dry weight and yield of seedcotton. It was therefore concluded that (i) consideration of N sources was necessary in the SAS but was appearing irrelevant in the MAS and ANS, (ii) the agronomic optimum N rate was close to 100 kg/ha for these soils and (iii) concentration of N in petioles and leaf blades at flowering could be used to assess the N I status of cotton plants with values of 2.0% and 4.1l% respectively, being tentatively suggested as optimum.
Evaluation of Minjingu phosphate rock products as sources of phosphorus for maize and sorghum in some Morogoro and Hai soils
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1991) Kimbi, Gerald Gervas
Experiments effectiveness were partially of to evaluatethe acidulated phosphate rock conducted (PAPR) and non acidulated Minjingu phosphate rock (PR) as sources of for phosphorus maize and sorghum. Two studies was the test crop in the initial pot study and two field experiments were conducted.Maize in the field experiments while sorghum was used in the residual pot study.Five soils, namely Kwa Sadala, Mlama, Mafiga,Magadu and University Gate,varying widely in properties were used. Results of these experiments showed that all the P carriers increased yields in Mlama, Magadu and University Gate soils, indicating that the three soils were P deficient and thus required supplemental P. The KwaSadala and Mafiga soils, with high available P and nearly, neutral pH values, did not respond to either of the P sources.The initial PAPRs and results study indicated non ac i dulated PRs had the nearing that pot of University Gate that the fertilizer values TSPin soilsthe PAPRs and PRs were generally Mlama soil. In the Magadu and inferior to TSP. Results of the residual pot study showed that the PAPRs and PRs had superior residual effectiveness compared to TSP in Magadu, indicating that overMlama and time the P dissolved in the three soils.University Gate soils, carriers substantially
Effect of method of terracing on some physical and chemical properties of soils of Mgeta, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Kisanga, Danielson Ramoz
A field experiment was conducted on cultivated sandy clay loam Chromic Cambisols at Mgeta on the slopes of Uluguru mountains. The objectives were to study the effects of terracing methods on some soil physical and chemical properties and to relate the results to crop performance observed in the field. The main treatments consisted of bench and ladder terraces. The subtreatments were three positions on the slope, and five 10 cm interval soil depth sections. The physical properties assessed were particle size analysis, bulk and particle densities and available water capacity. The assessed chemical properties included pH, CEC, exchangeable cations, carbon, organic total nitrogen, and available phosphorus. There available were significant water capacity, increases in exchangeable clay, silt, calcium and magnesium contents and a decreasing trend in very coarse sand particles along the slope under ladder terraces. In the bench terraces, bulk density increased slightly while total porosity decreased significantly along the slope. Most of the soil physical and chemical properties from the bench terraces were significantly different along the slope, but lacked a defined trend, Exchangeable cations, total nitrogen, and organic carbon for the two main treatments showed a decreasing trend from surface to the bottom of the soil profile. Other soil physical and chemical properties lacked defined trends with depth. The causes of the observed trends in the bench and ladder terraces are respectively attributed to the mechanical movement of soil and gradual but continuous transportation of fine soil materials by water down the slope. The variations in soil physical and chemical properties within and between the two treatments were attributed to the nature of the soils and methods used in the construction of the terraces. Variations in the studied soil properties account for the observed crop performance. In order to improve crop performance and maintain a sustainable crop production at Mgeta, several soil management and conservation measures are proposed.
Assessment of copper and zinc status of some soils of Iringa district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Mkangwa, Chaboba Zaid
The objectives of this study were to select suitable extractants for determining available copper and zinc in soils of Iringa district and to assess the fertility status of the two nutrients in the district. Two sets, each of ten soils for one element, were selected for glasshouse studies using maize as a test crop. The soils were treated with 0 and 5 kg ha' of either copper or zinc in their respective trials. Three extractants, viz: 0.1M EDTA-(NH.)jCO;, 0.005M DTPA and 0.1NHC1 were tested for their suitability to extract these elements. The concentrations of these elements in maize shoots were also determined. A total of 61 samples were collected from the district and analyzed for copper and zinc using the methods found to be suitable. Copper and zinc application slightly increased dry matter in four and eight soils, respectively, out of the ten soils tested. However, the increase was not statistically significant. The 0.1N HC1 extractant was superior to the other two in extracting zinc but none of the methods was suitable for copper. The tentative critical concentration for zinc was found to be 0.28ppm. Application of either of these elements in the soils, significantly increased their concentration in the plants. The tentative critical 6.30ppm. copper concentration in maize shoots was For zinc, the critical concentration in shoots was not determined because all the values obtained were above critical concentration extractant, range reported elsewhere. zinc concentration Using the 0.1N HC1 in the soil ranged from 0.14 to 27.30 ppm. For zinc, two fertility classes: medium and high were obtained. The proportions of soils which fell in the medium and high zinc fertility classes were 8.20 and 51.80%, respectively.
Genotypic variation in phosphorus requirement and utilization in nodulated common beans (phaseolus vulgaris l.)
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Ole-Meiludie, Dorothy John Simon
A study to investigate the genotypic variations in phosphorus requirement and utilization by four common bean genotypes AA/2/5/6xK-2; 86EP 5091-B-2; EP 3-2 and Selian wonder, referred to as C2' C4' C5 and C8 respectively, inoculated with a locally produced Rhizobium strain, PV1, was carried out at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania in a glasshouse pot experiment. The soil used as the growth medium was an Oxic Haplustult with low levels of total nitrogen and Bray-1 phosphorus with a slight acid reaction. phosphorus applied were 0, The 5, 10, 20, 40, 160mgP/kg soil as kh,poa Z 4 extractable levels of 80, 120 and and these rates were each replicated six times for each common bean genotype. The increases in the number of nodules, (hence nodulation), nodule weights, shoot dry weights, root dry weights, pod production, seed production, percent N in the shoots and percent P in the shoots with increasing rates of applied phosphorus were significant and these plant parameters were positively and significantly correlated to one another, suggesting the vital role of phosphorus in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The variations in phosphorus requirement and utilization based on the above plant parameters were attributed to the inherent genetic characteristics of the four common bean genotypes. The genotypes most tolerant to low levels of Bray-1 extractable phosphorus fixed more nitrogen symbiotically and accumulated more dry matter. The genotypes' tolerance phosphorus followed to low levels of the order different phosphorus rates C5 > C4 > for optimum symbiotic nitrogen fixation for each C2 extractable > C8‘yields individual. The and common bean genotype should be established in a similar investigation under field conditions. The ability of the genotypes to form nodules hence fix inoculated with the Rhizobium nitrogen, strain PV1 indicate when the ability of the Rhizobium strain PV1 to tolerate low levels of Bray-1 extractable phosphorus. Based on the results and C4 inoculated obtained in this study, the genotypes C5 with Rhizobium strain PV1 can be grown in soils deficient in available phosphorus without any effect on reducing seed yield.
Genotypic variation in phosphorus requirement and utilization in nodulated common beans (phaseolus vulgaris l.)
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1992) Ole-Meiludie, Dorothy John Simon
A study to investigate the genotypic variations in phosphorus requirement and utilization by four common bean genotypes AA/2/5/6xK-2; 86EP 5091-B-2; EP 3-2 and Selian wonder, referred to as C2' C4' C5 and C8 respectively, inoculated with a locally produced Rhizobium strain, PV1, was carried out at the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania in a glasshouse pot experiment. The soil used as the growth medium was an Oxic Haplustult with low levels of total nitrogen and Bray-1 phosphorus with a slight acid reaction. phosphorus applied were 0, The 5, 10, 20, 40, 160mgP/kg soil as kh,poa Z 4 extractable levels of 80, 120 and and these rates were each replicated six times for each common bean genotype. The increases in the number of nodules, (hence nodulation), nodule weights, shoot dry weights, root dry weights, pod production, seed production, percent N in the shoots and percent P in the shoots with increasing rates of applied phosphorus were significant and these plant parameters were positively and significantly correlated to one another, suggesting the vital role of phosphorus in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The variations in phosphorus requirement and utilization based on the above plant parameters were attributed to the inherent genetic characteristics of the four common bean genotypes. The genotypes most tolerant to low levels of Bray-1 extractable phosphorus fixed more nitrogen symbiotically and accumulated more dry matter. The genotypes' tolerance phosphorus followed to low levels of the order different phosphorus rates C5 > C4 > for optimum symbiotic nitrogen fixation for each C2 extractable > C8‘yields individual. The and common bean genotype should be established in a similar investigation under field conditions. The ability of the genotypes to form nodules hence fix inoculated with the Rhizobium nitrogen, strain PV1 indicate when the ability of the Rhizobium strain PV1 to tolerate low levels of Bray-1 extractable phosphorus. Based on the results and C4 inoculated obtained in this study, the genotypes C5 with Rhizobium strain PV1 can be grown in soils deficient in available phosphorus without any effect on reducing seed yield.
The role of microaggregation in physical edaphology
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Mtakwa, Peter W
Soil type and the previous tensile strength and penetration resistance as a (PR) should allow the soil compared ranging fail to failure planes in between the microaggregates. function of easily along Five Tanzanian soil hardsetting Paleustalf from a extreme of strength behaviour, through a Paleudoll, Paleustult, both It was expected (the strength characteristics). that microaggregation types were can I characterized soil strength by measuring affect soil strength. matric potential cultivation history of one at Paleudalf and a to a strongly microaggregated Orthox expected to be at At each site soils that had a history of the weak end of the scale. 7 or more years of cultivation and cropping were compared with newly cultivated soils. The and Orthox Paleustult had the best PR characteristic for ease of root growth and the Paleustalf had the worst characteristic which suggested that it would not permit root growth at matric suctions exceeding 100 kPa. The Orthox also had much the most favourable tensile strength characteristic. At air dryness (100 MPa suction), the previously uncultivated and previously cultivated Orthox topsoils strength. compressive) Paleustalf topsoils. Paleustult) a previous had 3 and respectively, 9 times than less the tensile (and corresponding For three of the soils (Orthox, Paleudoll and history of cultivation was found to have significantly and substantially reduced the tensile strength of the topsoil at any given matric suction compared to the newly cultivated soil
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.
Physico-chemical and biological properties of atrazine in soils
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Natai, Roland Elisamia
The physico-chemical and biological properties of atrazine (2-chloro-4- ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) in soils were laboratory. investigated in the The batch suspension method was used to study the adsorption desorption properties of atrazine. The results revealed that the amount of atrazine adsorbed or desorbed varies with the soil properties. The adsorption data fitted the Freundlich model. Freundlich "K" values describing the adsorptive capacities of the soils varied with the inherent soil properties. Over 70% of the adsorbed atrazine was found to be desorbed after five desorption cycles. Microbial numbers were determined by dilution plate count technique, and the microbial processes by measuring the final products of the transformations carried out by the test organisms. All the test organisms in this study (i.e total bacteria, Azotobacter, Beijerinckia and nitrifiers) were tolerant to atrazine at the concentrations tested. The population and the activities of these organisms were only slightly and temporarily affected. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Soils and land evaluation of part of the sokoine university of agriculture farm (Tanzania) for some crops under rainfed conditions
(The Center for African Area Studies, Kyoto University, 1994) Kaaya, Abel K; Mrema, Jerome P; Msanya, Balthazar M
A detailed soil survey of about 420 ha of the central part of the Sokoine Uni versity of Agriculture farm was carried out for soil characterization. laboratory physico chemical characterization, soil classification and land suitability evaluation of the area with respect to maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bic%r), paddy rice (Oryza sativa) and field beans (Phaseo/us vulgaris); all under rainfed conditions. The soils were mapped at 1/10,000 scale besed on slope, soil drainage, topsoil texture and effective soil depth and five mapping units were identified. Land suitability evaluation indicated that none of the identi fied mapping units was highly suitable for the above listed crops
Land use and land evaluation research project
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Msanya, B. M.; Msaky, J.J.T
Land use and land evaluation research work was initiated in the Department of Soil Science of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in collaboration with the Center for African Area Studies (CAAS) and Faculty of Agriculture of Kyoto University and the National Soil Service (NSS). This research project is funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Among the objectives of this research project is the development of a computer-based land evaluation system specific to and using data from Tanzania. To achieve this goal, the approach has been to direct studies on the major agroecological zones of the country. Lots of data on soils, crops and climates have been and continue to be generated (Kimaro et al., 1993; Magoggo et al., 1993) based on the concepts elaborated in the original research write-up on land use and land evaluation systems research (Msanya et al., 1991). Recently the trend has been to store these data in such a way that they can easily be retrieved by various users. This current compilation gives preliminary results and partly processed data of some agriculturally important areas including Sukumaland; Mtwara and Sumbawanga.
Pedological studies and characterization of some benchmark soils of Morogoro district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1994) Msanya, B. M.; Kaaya, A. K.; Nyadzi, G. I.
A detailed characterization of soils earmarked as "Benchmark Soils of Morogoro District" in Tanzania was carried out to provide basic data required in planning and execution of soil fertility studies in the area. Benchmark soils are defined as those occuring in extensive areas and whose comprehensive characterization could contribute substantially to transfer of agro-technology from one area to another.

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