Automated land evaluation for alternative uses in south western part of the uluguru mountains in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania
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Date
2000
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
An automated land evaluation was carried out in Mgeta Area, 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. A total
area of 41,964 ha was covered in this study. Land resources database was established
by conducting soil survey at semi-detailed level, whereas socio-economic data were
collected using semi-structured questionnaires coupled with Participatory Rural
Appraisal techniques (PRA). Soils were mapped at the scale of 1: 50,000 based on
landforms, parent material and geology. According to the FAO World Reference
Base (FAO, 1998), the soils of summits classify mostly as Umbrisols, Cambisols,
Leptosols and Acrisols; those of the slopes and piedmonts classify mostly as
Regosols, Phaeozems and Luvisols. In the river valley sides the soils are dominantly
Fluvisols and Phaeozems. Mgeta soils have low to medium fertility status except
those of the summits which have very low fertility status. The topsoil reaction ranges
from strongly to slightly acid (pH 5.1 - 6.5). Organic carbon ranges from very low to
very high (0.2 to 11.3% OC) while phosphorus is rated as low to medium (P < 7 to
20 mg/kg). Nitrogen content varies from very low to high (0.01 to 5.8 %). The values
of CEC are medium to high (12.4 to 40 cmol (+)/kg). Base saturation levels range
from very low to very high (1.5 to 95 %). About 80 % of Mgeta Area is both
physically and economically moderately suitable for round potatoes, 74 % for
cabbage and 71 % for arabica coffee production. The remainder of the area is either
unsuitable or marginally suitable for the three crops, the main limitations being soil
depth, nutrient availability, nutrient retention and soil erosion hazards.Improvement of soil fertility status is deemed necessary. This can be achieved
through agro-forestry practices and appropriate fertiliser/manure application.
Improvements of extension services, marketing and storage facilities are also
recommended in order to encourage farmers to produce more on a sustainable basis
under the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
Description
Masters' Theses
Keywords
Automated land evaluation, Alternative land use, Uluguru mountains, Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania