Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/44

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 182

Modeling the electrical conductivity relationship between saturated paste extract and 1:2.5 dilution in different soil textural classes
(Department of agricultural engineering, 2024-12) Omar, Moh’d M.; Shitindi, Mawazo J.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Pedersen, Ole; Meliyo, Joel L.; Fue, Kadeghe G.
Regression models were developed to estimate the electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe) from the electrical conductivity of soil-water ratio (EC1:2.5) for different soil textural classes. ECe is a crucial parameter used to indicate the presence, type, and distribution of salinity in soils. However, determining ECe is demanding, time-consuming, requires considerable skill to accurately identify the correct soil saturation point, and is not routinely performed by soil testing laboratories. Many laboratories, instead, commonly measure the electrical conductivity of soil-water extracts at various dilutions, such as EC1:1, EC1:2.5, or EC1:5. In this study, 706 soil samples were collected from depths of 0 - 30 cm across three rice irrigation schemes to determine EC1:2.5, with 50% analyzed for ECe. ECe values were grouped based on soil textural classes. The results showed a strong linear relationship between EC1:2.5 and ECe values, with a high coefﬁcient of determination (R² > 0.95). The Root Mean Square Error values were low (1.4 < RMSE), and the Mean Absolute Error values were similarly low (0.85 < MAE). Therefore, the regression models developed provide a practical means of estimating ECe for various soil textural classes, thereby enhancing soil salinity assessment and management strategies
Prediction of soil texture using remote sensing data. a systematic review
(Department of Soil and Geological Sciences, 2024-09) Mgohele, R. N.; Massawe, B. H. J.; Shitindi, M. J.; Sanga, H. G.; Omar, M. M.
Soil particle size fractions play a critical role in determining soil health attributes, including soil aeration, water inﬁltration and retention capacity, nutrients, and organic matter dynamics. Traditional soil mapping methods rely predominantly on ground-based surveys and laboratory analysis which are reported to be time- consuming and expensive. To address these challenges, there has been a global shift towards digital soil mapping (DSM) techniques that utilize remote sensing data. This review, conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline, aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of soil texture prediction using remote sensing data. In particular, the review extract and synthesizes the satellite images used, identify the derived environmental covariates and their relative importance, and assesses the prediction models/algorithms used in the prediction of soil texture. Synthesis and analysis of 70 articles show that clay content is the most predicted of the three soil particle fractions accounting for 37% of the reviewed studies predominantly from topsoil layer (74.29%). Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 are reported as the most frequently used satellite images. Among the covariates derived from these images, NDVI (80.4%) and SAVI (60.8%) are by far the most derived band ratios (indices). Red (37.3%), NIR (35.3%), Green (33.3%), Blue (33.3%), and SW2 (29.4%) bands were the ﬁve most incorporated as covariates for soil texture prediction amongst individual satellite bands. Regarding the DSM algorithms, Random Forest (RF) appeared in most reviewed articles followed by Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Quantile Regression Forest (QRF). The comparative model performance analysis showed that RF and Artiﬁcial neural network (ANN) had a good trade-off across validation metrics indicating their best performance in the prediction of both clay, sand, and silt. The RF performance showed a decreasing trend with increasing depth interval for clay and sand prediction and inconsistent for silt prediction.
Salt-affected soils in Tanzanian agricultural lands: type of soils and extent of the problem
(Taylor & Francis Group., 2023) Omar, M. M.; Shitindi, M. J.; Massawe, B. H. J.; Fue, K. G.; Meliyo, J. L.; Pedersen, O.
Salt-affected soils are a global challenge, affecting 1 billion ha of land, with 200 million ha found in Africa. The challenge brings adverse impacts on agricultural productivity, food security, environ mental sustainability, and food security. In Tanzania, more than 2 million ha of land are salt- affected, of which 1.7 million ha are saline soil and 0.3 million ha are sodic soil. To cope with this threat, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of its extent (coverage), existing types, and available management strategies. This review presents a comprehensive account of the challenges and opportunities of salt-affected soils in Tanzania and examines management options that have been observed to increase agricultural productivity in rice-growing areas. A systematic review of relevant articles published in databases was carried out using PRISMA guidelines and flowcharts. This review highlights the origin, extent, types, and various techniques for alleviating salt-affected soil problems. It also emphasize on the use of inorganic and organic amendments, salt-tolerant varieties, irrigation water quality, and drainage infrastructure. We revealed that farmers, use burned and unburned rice husks, sawdust, gypsum, and farm yard manure (FYM) as copping mechanisms. Furthermore, there have been continuing efforts to develop salt-tolerant rice vari eties, coupled with maintenance of irrigation infrastructure and site-specific soil management options, as appropriate solutions to tackle salt issues. Given the light of existing data, the review recommends using RS and GIS for updating information on salt-affected soils, particularly in irrigated areas, as an essential component of sustainable management and preventing further loss of agricultural land.
Assessment of salt-affected soil in selected rice irrigation schemes in Tanzania: understanding salt types for optimizing management approaches
(Frontiers in Soil Science, 2024-04-23) Omar Moh’d, M.; Massawe Boniface, H. J.; Shitindi Mawazo, J.; Pedersen Ole; Meliyo Joel, L .; Fue Kadeghe, G.
Salt-affected soils have serious implications for agricultural land quality and productivity, leading to a reduction in the net cultivable area available for food production. This issue has emerged as one of the foremost global challenges in recent years, impacting both food security and environmental sustainability. This research focuses on soil characterizations conducted in three irrigation schemes to understand the types, distribution, and nature of salt-affected soils. Auger observations served as the basic methodology for soil unit delineation in this study. Twelve representative soil pits with a depth of more than 160 cm were described, and undisturbed and disturbed samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The schemes were characterized by low levels of available phosphorus, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, as well as variations in exchangeable bases. Furthermore, 37.5% of the analyzed horizons highlighted the presence of salt-affected soils. Sodium was the predominant cation, followed by magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Likewise, HCO3− was the dominant anion, followed by Cl− and SO42−. The results of this study reveal the existence of two types of salt-affected soil. Uturo irrigation scheme had sodic soils, while the Ndungu irrigation scheme had saline-sodic soils. Additionally, both sodic and saline-sodic soils have been discovered in the Mawala irrigation scheme. The root cause of this challenge is inherent soil conditions, exacerbated by inadequate drainage infrastructure. Therefore, measures such as the application of gypsum followed by salt leaching, improving soil drainage by incorporating organic matter, improving drainage infrastructure, and using rice-tolerant varieties are recommended to mitigate salt stress and improve soil fertility. It is imperative to establish a robust framework for continuous monitoring and regular assessment of soil health to enable timely interventions and informed decisions for sustainable agricultural management.
Floods stress in lowland rice production: experiences of rice farmers in Kilombero and Lower-Rufiji floodplains, Tanzania
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023-11-30) Michael, Paulo Sulle; Mwakyusa, Lupakisyo; Sanga, Hilda G.; Shitindi, Mawazo J.; Kwaslema, Damiano R.; Herzog, Max; Meliyo, Joel L .; Massawe, Boniface H. J.
The resilience of rice production to floods is a crucial aspect of agricultural development in flood-prone regions. However, little is known about the farming practices and challenges of rice farmers in two river basins in Tanzania: Lower-Rufiji and Kilombero, where rice is the main crop grown. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of farmers in these two rice-growing floodplains regarding the impact of floods on lowland rice production and farmer livelihoods, and the strategies they use to cope with floods. The study used a mixed-methods approach that involved household surveys, key informant interviews, and transect walks to collect data from 180 rice farmers and 14 experts and community leaders. The data analysis revealed that floods were the dominant stressor affecting rice production, occurring mostly during the long rainy season and experienced by all farmers in both locations. Floods not only caused significant crop losses, especially in Lower-Rufiji where farmers reported losing between 75 and 100% of their yield in cases of extreme floods, but also made it difficult to establish and manage crops, leading to crop land abandonment. Floods also affected the livelihoods of rice farmers by forcing them to abandon, rent, or sell their farms. Coexistence of floods with other biotic and abiotic stresses such as crop diseases and droughts also limited the use of short maturing high yielding rice varieties. Farmers have adopted on-farm strategies such as adjusting planting schedules, using different varieties of rice, changing to other crops or activities after the floods to cope with floods, but these practices face numerous challenges. The study recommends the development of early warning systems, breeding for flood-tolerant rice varieties, introgression of tolerance traits to multiple stresses and improving crop establishment methods to enhance the resilience of farmers to floods and other extreme climate events.
Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-09-06) Ramadhani, Ahamed Mwarabu; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B .; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Nchimbi-Msolla, Susan
Mulching is a widely used agricultural practice that can significantly affect crop growth, yield, and economic outcomes, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The present study evaluated the influence of various mulching practices on the growth, yield, and economic viability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three sites in the eastern agro-ecological zone of Tanzania: Kipera (E4 200–1000 m.a.s.l.), Mgeta (E14 500–000 m.a.s.l.), and Ndole (E2 500–1200 m.a.s.l.). Four mulching treatments—polythene mulch, synthetic biodegradable mulch, rice husk mulch, and a control group—were applied to assess their effects on plant growth and yield components. Results revealed significant variations in growth parameters and yield components across sites. Notably, polythene mulch and synthetic biodegradable mulch consistently outperformed the other treatments. Polythene mulch resulted in an average plant height of 68.37 cm, followed closely by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 68.26 cm, both significantly (p < 0.05) taller than rice husk mulch (62.79 cm) and the control (57.74 cm). Canopy coverage was highest with polythene mulch at 61.7%, followed by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 60.5%. Grain yields did not differ significantly between synthetic biodegradable mulch (2.64 t ha−1) and polythene mulch (2.67 t ha−1). Economic analysis indicated that synthetic biodegradable mulch offers promising marginal returns (MR: Tshs. 3,787,450 or USD 1,469) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.91, compared to polythene mulch (MR: Tshs. 4,114,050 or USD 1,595, BCR: 2.06). These findings suggest that synthetic biodegradable mulch is a sustainable and economically viable option for enhancing common bean production across diverse agro-ecological settings in Tanzania.
Corrigendum: Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-10-04) Ramadhani, Ahamed Mwarabu; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Massawe, Boniface H. J .; Nchimbi-Msolla, Susan
Climate change and multi-dimensional sustainability in African agriculture
(Springer International Publishing AG, 2016) Lal, Rattan; Singh, Bal Ram; Kraybill, David; Mosogoya, Theodosy; Hansen, David O.; Eik, Lars Olav
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States who held ofﬁce from 1954–1961, stated during an address at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, on September 26, 1956 that “farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you are a thousand miles from a cornﬁeld.” While Eisenhower might not have had the opportunity to witness ﬁrsthand the challenges facing small landholders and resource-poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), his remarks are even more relevant now than ever. Among the principal environmental-sustainability chal- lenges in SSA are: (1) providing food security to 250 million hungry people (1 in 4 people) in Africa; (2) reducing soil degradation; (3) preserving forests and improving soil and ecosystem C pools; (4) adapting to and mitigating the causes of changing and uncertain climate events; (5) eliminating poverty; and (6) alleviating drought. Drought is the single most natural-disaster in SSA, with strong adverse impacts on crop yield, animal productivity and human wellbeing. It is aggravated by anthropogenic factors and constrains agricultural production in SSA. The risks of drought are likely to be further exacerbated by projected climate changes, including ever increasing temperatures. In SSA, 95 % of agriculture is rain-fed, leaving it highly susceptible to drought. There are 6 types of drought (Fig. 1.1). Pedologic and agronomic droughts, in particular, are strongly aggravated by soil degradation and desertiﬁcation and adversely impact crop growth and agronomic productivity.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
(Frontiers in Agronomy, 2024-09-25) Ramadhani, Ahamed Mwarabu,; Nassary, Eliakira Kisetu; Rwehumbiza, Filbert B.; Massawe, Boniface H. J.; Nchimbi-Msolla, Susan
Plastic waste in agriculture, particularly from polyethylene mulch, poses significant environmental challenges. Synthetic biodegradable mulch has emerged as a sustainable alternative, derived from renewable resources such as thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and copolyesters. This review explores the benefits of synthetic biodegradable mulch, its environmental impact, and the policy landscape to support its adoption. A review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on three aspects: (1) the performance of synthetic biodegradable mulch in crop production and pest control, (2) the environmental, socioeconomic, and climate resilience compared to polyethylene mulch, and (3) the institutional policies that promote synthetic biodegradable mulch adoption. The analysis considered comparative data on yield, pest management, and sustainability metrics. Synthetic biodegradable mulch performs similarly or better than polyethylene mulch in various agricultural practices. It enhances crop yield, quality, and weed suppression, acts as a physical barrier against pests and diseases, reduces chemical usage, and aids in water and nutrient management. Moreover, synthetic biodegradable mulch offers environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. While synthetic biodegradable mulch provides numerous advantages, adoption faces challenges such as high initial costs, farmer preferences, and the regulatory framework. Effective institutional policies and increased consumer demand could drive wider adoption, offering potential for improved livelihoods among small farmers while promoting environmental sustainability.
Texture specific regression models for predicting soil ECe values from EC1: 2.5 for effective soil salinity assessment in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Isdory, D. P.; Massawe, B. H.
Electrical conductivity of saturated soil paste extract (ECe) is a standard laboratory soil salinity measurement. However, due to difficulty of ECe measurement, electrical conductivity of soil to water suspensions (ECsoil:water) such as EC1:2.5 are used and its values converted to ECe for salinity interpretation in crop production. This study was conducted to develop texture specific regression models for predicting ECe values from EC1:2.5 for Tanzanian soils. A total of 198 composite soil samples at 0 – 30 cm depth were collected from Kiwere, Dakawa, Sakalilo and Mwamapuli irrigation schemes in Iringa, Morogoro, Rukwa and Katavi Regions respectively and analyzed for soil texture, EC1:2.5 and ECe using standard laboratory methods. The dominant soil textural classes were clay, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, and clay loam. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between mean values of EC1:2.5 and ECe (dS m-1) in all textural classes. The regression models indicated significantly strong linear relationships between values of EC1:2.5 and ECe for all textural classes with R2>0.90 and P<0.001 for both regression models with and without intercept. The regression models without intercept performed better in predicting soil ECe from EC1:2.5 than regression models with intercept by having higher P-values, slope value closer to 1.0 and lower RMSE values between measured and predicted ECe. The study recommends regression models expressed as ECe = 2.0963 EC1:2.5 for clay; ECe = 2.7714 EC1:2.5 for sandy clay loam; ECe = 2.3519 EC1:2.5 for sandy clay and ECe = 2.0811 EC1:2.5 for clay loam soils for predicting soil ECe from EC1:2.5 in Tanzania.
Effects of biodegradable mulch films in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) performance: on-station trials
(Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023) Massawe, B. H.; Moisan, L.; Semu, T.; Nchimbi-Msolla, S.
Different types of mulches have varied levels of efficiency. This study compared effects of using biodegradable mulch films (BMF) in common beans production compared with selected types of dead mulches used in Tanzania. Two different experiments in four replications were conducted using completely randomized block design on-station at SUA. In the first experiment, the treatments were BMF, pimento grass, maize straw and control. In the second experiment the treatments were BMF, butterfly pea, maize husks, and control. Crop performance indicators including germination, number of leaves, plant height and number of pods were recorded weekly using 9 representative plants in each plot. Number of weeds were counted physically weekly using quadrant method. Dry grain yield was also recorded in each experiment. The data were analysed for the effects of treatments to experimental units using ANOVA at 5% significance level. Results from the first experiment showed that BMF performed significantly better than other tested mulches in yield, weed control, branching, number of leaves, and number of pods. BMF did not do well in seed germination and plant height. Results from the second experiment showed that BMF had significantly better performance in terms of number of pods, grain bean yield, weed infestation control, plant height and number of branches. These initial results on use of industrial BMF calls for further research which may lead to promotion of use of these environmentally friendlier mulch films as compared to very slowly degradable plastic mulch films currently used in some farming systems in Tanzania
Pedological characterization and classification of selected soils of Morogoro and Mbeya regions of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2021-06-21) Mohamed Said Hamadi; Msanya Balthazari Michael; Hamisi Juma Tindwa; Ernest Semu
This study was done in Morogoro and Mbeya regions of Tanzania to classify and characterize their respective soils. Representative pedons (SUARAT-P1 and UYOLE-P1) were dug and described using FAO guidelines clarifying morphological features, physico-chemical properties and genesis. The representative pedons were geo-referenced using Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. A total of nine (9) genetic soil horizons were identified from both sites and samples from each horizon collected for physical and chemical analyses. Soils from both sites were very deep and topsoil moist colors ranged from hue of 7.5YR to 10YR with chroma of less than 3 in SUARAT-P1 and UYOLE-P1 pedons. Soil structure ranged from strong fine crumbs in topsoils to medium coarse sub-angular blocks in subsoils of SUARAT-P1 while UYOLE-P1 had weak fine sub-angular blocks in topsoils and subsoils. The SUARAT-P1 had sandy clay (SC) texture in topsoil and clay texture in subsoil while UYOLE-P1 had sandy loam (SL) in topsoil and sand clay loam (SCL) in subsoil. Soil reaction were slightly acid to very strongly acid in SUARAT-P1 (pH 6.54 - 4.46) whereas UYOLE-P1 were slightly acid to neutral in subsoil horizons (pH 6.35 – 7.32). Organic carbon ranged from very low to low (0.12- 0.95%) in SUARAT-P1 and from very low to medium (0.47 – 1.5%) in UYOLE-P1. Nitrogen levels were very low to low (0.05 - 0.12%) in both sites whereas available P ranged from low (0.30 mg kg-1) to medium (8.55 mg kg-1) in both pedons. CEC of SUARAT-P1 was medium ranging from 12.4 to 23.2 cmol(c) kg-1, whereas UYOLE-P1 was medium to high (15 – 34 cmol(c) kg-1). In SUARAT-P1, topsoil BS was high (> 50%) and low (< 50%) in the subsoil while UYOLE-P1 registered high BS throughout its profile depth. As diagnostic horizons for soil classification, the SUARAT-P1 had an ochric epipedon overlying a kandic horizon and classified according to USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiustults, while UYOLE-P1 had an ochric epipedon over a cambic horizon and was named as Andic Dystrudepts corresponding respectively to Haplic Lixisols and Eutric Andic Cambisols in the WRB for Soil Resources. The results have indicated that, studied soils are less fertile with possible reconstitution through land and crop managements which include but not limited to no-tilling or conservation tillage, manuring and proper fertilizer application; residue retention, possible fallowing, liming for potential buffering of soil pH especially at SUARAT-P1 and crop rotation and intercropping with leguminous crops.
Pedological characterization and fertility assessment of Mbimba substation soils under coffee production in Mbozi district, Tanzania
(International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (ijasre), 2019-10) Mfaume, Dismas P.; Msanya, Balthazar M.; Msaky, John J.
Pedological characterization was carried out on soils of Mbimba Mbozi, Tanzania. A representative soil profile (TaCRI-P1) was identified, excavated and described using FAO (2006) Guidelines. Four disturbed soil samples and three undisturbed core samples were taken from the profile horizons for physico-chemical laboratory analysis. The pedon developed under udic moisture and thermic temperature regimes was very deep (> 150 cm), well drained and had dark brown to black topsoil colour over dark brown to dark reddish subsoil colour. Soil texture ranged from clay loam to clay. Soil pH was rated as very strong acid to medium (4.73 - 5.98) for all horizons. Organic carbon was low to medium; N was very low to low; CEC was medium to high and exchangeable bases ranged from low to high. Bulk densities were high (2.24 - 2.44 g/cc) for topsoil and low (0.33 - 0.91) for subsoil. Soil moisture retention properties indicated that surface horizon (0 - 5 cm) retained more water followed by intermediate (45 - 50 cm) horizon and the subsoil (95 - 100 cm) respectively. According to USDA Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base for Soil Resources, the pedon at Mbimba was classified as Typic Palehumults and as Haplic Alisols, respectively. These taxa reflected properties that may guide on the use and management of soils. Before lime application, the upper two horizons of the pedon had total nitrogen level ranging between 0.04 - 0.17%, Phosphorus 2.91 - 4.59 mgkg-1 Potassium 2.36 - 1%, , Calcium 2.36 - 2.35 cmol(+)kg-1 and Magnesium 0.71 - 1.93 cmol(+)kg-1 which were low to medium. Thus, application of inorganic (N, P, K - rich), Ca+Mg and organic fertilizers is recommended to increase nutrient availability. Use of CaMg(CO3)2 as soil amendment should be taken into consideration to raise soil pH and enhance balanced nutrient availability for coffee growth.
Profitability of using different rates of farmyard manure and potassium fertilizer for cassava production in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts, Tanzania
(ResearchGate, 2022-08-10) Merumba, Mgeta Steven; Semu, Ernest; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Kibura, Jojianas Kokulamka; Blandes, Joyce Siima
The resolution of using or not using a particular technology in crop production is governed by the profitability of that technology being used. A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts in the Kagera region during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 cropping seasons to determine the economic benefit of using different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium (K) fertilizer in cassava production. One village potential for cassava production was selected in each district for establishment of cassava trials. Three tillage methods [flat tillage, tied ridging and -1 -1 open ridging] and eleven fertilizer rates [FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha , N40P30 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha , FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha-1 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha-1] and the control, were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications using a split-plot design. Tillage methods were the main plots and fertilizer rates were the subplots. Cassava yields (MT ha-1) were collected at harvesting (12 months after planting). Partial budget analysis was carried out to estimate the gross values using the adjusted yields at market price for cassava and fertilizers. Costs and benefits -1 -1 were calculated on a hectare basis, in Tanzania Shillings (TShs) ha , and converted to USD ha based on the prevailing exchange rate of 1 USD, equivalent to 2 300 TShs. All variable costs were summed up to total variable cost (TVC). The net benefits (NB) [gross benefit (GB) - TVC] ha-1 of the tested treatments were calculated and used to assess the profitability of each treatment. Moreover, the benefit-cost ratios (BCR) [net benefit ÷ TVC] of the tested treatments were compared to the acceptable value of greater than 2 for the technology to be adopted by farmers. The results indicated that in both cropping seasons, and in all studied sites, all the tested fertilizer types and rates gave acceptable BCR of greater than 2, implying that all the fertilizer types and rates could be used for cassava production in the study area. The results on net benefit indicated that the combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 80 kg K ha-1 gave higher net benefit (3 020 500 – 9 168 000 TShs ha-1 (1 313.3 – 3 986.1 USD ha-1) than the other fertilizer types and rates (1 915 000 – 9 024 500 (832.6 – 3 923.7 USD ha-1) and is therefore, desirable for increasing cassava root yield and net benefit. However, for the resource-poor farmers, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 40 kg K ha-1 can still be adopted because, for some reason, not all the famers can afford the best treatment.
Predicting soil ECe based on values of EC1:2.5 as an indicator of soil salinity at Magozi irrigation scheme, Iringa, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2021) *Isdory, D.P; Massawe B.H.J; Msanya B.M.
Soil salinity is one of the limitations to sustainable production of rice and other crops in many irrigation schemes in Tanzania. Soil salinity can be assessed from electrical conductivity (EC) measurements. Most soil laboratories in Tanzania appraise soil salinity from measurements of electrical conductivity of 1:2.5 soil:water suspensions (EC1:2.5) by virtue of their simplicity. However, the influence of soil salinity on plant growth is mainly based on electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe), so it is necessary to convert EC1:2.5 to ECe in order to assess plant response to salinity. This study was conducted at Magozi Irrigation Scheme in Iringa Region, Tanzania to establish regression model for predicting ECe from EC1:2.5 values. A total of 60 soil samples (45 samples for model training and 15 samples for model validation) were collected and analyzed for soil EC1:2.5, ECe and soil texture. Results showed that EC1:2.5 ranged from 0.1 to 4.2 dS m-1 with a mean value of 0.71 dS m-1. EC obtained ranged from 0.3 (non-saline) to 12 dS m-1 (very e saline) with a mean of 2.4 dS m-1 (slightly saline). In order of dominance, soil textural classes were sandy clay loam, clay, sandy clay, sandy loam and clay loam. Strong linear relationships between ECe and EC1:2.5 were observed in the developed linear regression equations. After validation, the study selected equation ECe = 3.4954*EC1:2.5 with R2 of 0.956 for combined soil textures to be used for prediction of ECe from EC1:2.5 at Magozi Irrigation Scheme. This model can be tested for its applicability to other similar soils in Tanzania in further studies.
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
Evaluation of the fertility status of the soils under coffee cultivation in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2017-09-05) Massawe Prosper I.; MremaJerome
To study the causes of the decline in coffee production in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania through evaluating the fertility status of the soils under coffee cultivation.Study Design: Soils and leaf samples were collected in randomized design.Place and Duration of Study: This study was undertaken in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania for the period of 2009/2010.Methodology: Soils and leaves samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory using various methods that gave results of physical and chemical properties of soils and leaves respectively.Results: Some of the physical and chemical properties of the soils from the study area such as
Exploring farmers’ perception, knowledge, and management techniques of salt-affected soils to enhance rice production on small land holdings in Tanzania
(Taylor&Francis, 2022-10) Omar, M. M; Shitindi, M. J.; Massawe, B. H. J; Fue, K. G; Pedersen, O.; Meliyo, J. L.
Salt-affected soils among the key constraints to land productivity in irrigated rice schemes, posing a decline in grain yield. This study was conducted to explore the farmers’ perception, knowledge, and management practices of salt- affected soils in selected rice irrigation schemes of the representative districts in Tanzania. Whereas salt-affected soils were perceived as one of the constraints in the studied irrigation schemes, the extent of coverage and the severity of the effect are rarely documented. Therefore, the primary hypothesis of this study is that salt- affected soils could have an effect on rice production across irrigation schemes; and that farmers differ in perception, knowledge, and coping mechanisms. The Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach was employed to explore the farmers’ information from Mbarali, Iringa, Same, and Moshi districts, whereby 323 rice- growing farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, 120 farmers were involved in focus group discussions and 24 key informants. Our
Decision Support System for Runoff Water Harvesting and Irrigation
(Science Domain, 2016) Singa, Darwin Dodoma; Tumbo, Siza Donald; Fatael, Mahoo Henry; Filbert, Rwehumbiza; Maxon, Lowole
Despite the prevailing versatility of agro-hydrological Decision Support Systems (DSS) in the agricultural sector, a number of associated deficiencies do exist. The deficiencies are due to lack of synchronization of runoff affecting rainfall, catchment factors, reservoir capacity and irrigation field area in the face of recurring droughts and dry spells in several areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study focused on designing and validating a Decision Support System, by adding water reservoir and irrigation sub-routines to an Agro-hydrological Nedbor Afstromnings Model (NAM) to assist in screening best-bet options for either crop field area or reservoir size using a case study of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) at Ukwe Area in Malawi. Microsoft excel spreadsheet (MS excel) was used to compute cumulative runoff inflows into the dam, seasonal open surface water storage, water losses and withdrawal and reservoir water available for the bean crop. Computer simulation using soil, vegetation and topographical characteristics, and crop water requirements revealed proportion of catchment to irrigation command area of 10:1 with bean water productivity of 0.7 g/l (0.7 kg/m3 ), indicating low water demand. The NAM simulated values were in agreement with calculated ones. Post-DSS gross margin analysis indicated that 2.42 times more crop returns were obtained from irrigated than rain-fed bean crops despite additional costs associated with reservoir maintenance and irrigation operations. The DSS is, hence, found potential for users in drought prone Sub-Saharan African countries such as Malawi.
Effect of NPK and Minjingu mazao fertilizers on the performance of Sweetpepper in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Direct Research Journals Publisher, 2014) Rwiza, Alex Audax; Kisetu, Eliakira
This study assessed the effect of NPK (23:10:5) and Minjingu mazao (10:20:15) fertilizers on the performance of sweetpepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. California Wonder. The plant growth parameters collected were: plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and number of branches per plant. The parameters related to yield were fruit grade, fruit shape index (FSI), number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant, and fruit yield. The NPK fertilizer resulted into significantly (P=0.03) highest average fruit yield (25 t ha-1). Minjingu mazao fertilizer recorded fruit yield (15.6 t ha-1) which was also significantly higher (P= 0.03) than the corresponding control. Fruit yields increase due to NPK fertilizer as opposed to the control and Minjingu mazao fertilizer were 166% and 66%, respectively. This was the same as 66% increase in fruit yield when Minjingu mazao fertilizer was used compared with the control. The Pearson matrix correlation indicated that the fruits length, fruits grade, weight of individual fruits and fruit yield had the strongest relationship (r ≥ 0.90***; P<0.001).

Browse

Recent Submissions