Land evaluation using FAO framework for rainfed crops: a case study of Liti-tengeru farm
| dc.contributor.author | Muya, Mahenye Nyamhanga Chacha | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-13T13:53:20Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-13T13:53:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 1996 | |
| dc.description | Dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | A detailed land evaluation by using the FAO (1976) Framework and resource survey for 380 ha was carried out at Tengeru Livestock Training Institute (LITI) farm. The major objectives of this study were: (a) to test the adaptability of the FAO (1976) Framework for land evaluation in the area for rainfed field crops, vegetables, perennial crops, and pastures; (b) to establish the land resources inventory of the LITI farm; and (c) to assess the land suitabilities and limitations of the major land units in the farm for different land uses. The concepts and principles in the FAO (1976) Framework were found to work well in this area. However, some of the methodologies and procedures outlined in the FAO (1984) guidelines had to be refined in order to match with the actual local conditions and crops performance. Different approaches from those proposed in the FAO (1984) guidelines were used for reliable assessment of moisture availability, temperature regime and soil erosion hazard. Three soil types, namely, Mollie Andosols, Eutric Fluvisols and Pellic Vertisols, were identified in the area according to the FAO-Unesco (1974, 1988) legend. These soils were mapped at a scale of 1:10 000. The land evaluation results indicated that the major limitations in all soils of the study area are: moisture availability for perennial crops and pastures; Nitrogen deficiency; and land degradation through soil erosion and /or soil compaction. The major limitations for using Mollie Andosols in land mapping unit 34B1 are: severe soil erosion hazard, and buried stones which may limit tillage by using tractors. This land unit is very fertile and highly suitable for pasture production. It is highly suitable for vegetable and other field crops considered if soil erosion is controlled. The Eutric Fluvisols represented in mapping land unit 14C1, are highly fertile and suitable for all crops and pastures considered. However, like other land units in this farm, supplementary irrigation is necessary for optimum yield of perennial crops and pastures. The Pellic Vertisols in land unit 11C2 is not suitable for banana , citrus and coffee production. It is currently not suitable for maize, sunflower, tomato, Siratro, and elephant grass. It is suitable for rhodes and buffel grass. It is marginally suitable for the rest of crops and pastures considered in this study. The major limitations in using this land unit are: unfavourable soil structure and texture; poor drainage; shallow soil depth; presence of toxic layer (CaCO3) below 75 cm; high Sodium level; and deficiency of major nutrient elements (N, P, K). Economic analysis showed that pasture seeds production gave the highest farm net income in the area. Other crops which are highly economically suitable are vegetables, banana, citrus, coffee, and pasture fodder production. Beans, sunflower, sorghum and maize are marginally suitable in terms of farm net income. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | SACCAR/ GTZ | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7572 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Land evaluation | |
| dc.subject | Rained crops | |
| dc.subject | Vegetables | |
| dc.subject | Perenial crops | |
| dc.subject | Tengeru | |
| dc.title | Land evaluation using FAO framework for rainfed crops: a case study of Liti-tengeru farm | |
| dc.type | Thesis |