Evaluation of Kilombero estate soils with respect to their potential and constraints to sugarcane production
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Date
1996
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study was carried out in Kilombero Sugar Estate in
to
order
sugarcane
determine
soil
the
production.
This
which limit
through soil
constraints
was
done
characterization and evaluation of fertility status of the
soils. Soil characterization was based on morphological,
physical, chemical and mineralogical properties.
In addition,
soil
and sugarcane leaf samples were
sampled from 16 cane fields under second ratoon crop and
analysed for N, P, K. Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu.
uptake
by
sugarcane
was
also
carried
out
Nutrient
from
field
fertilizer trials.
A soil morphology study revealed that the cultivated
soils in section 1 to 3 are young (AC) profiles, very deep
alluvial deposits. The virgin soils showed relatively more
advanced profile development (ABC profile) when compared
to the cultivated soils.
Generally, soils were
kaolinite, illite,
of mixed clay mineralogy with
smectite
and
goethite
in
varying
proportions.
Total nitrogen in all soils was low (0.08 to 0.15%)
and therefore a limiting factor for sugarcane production
Poor soil aeration,
poor drainage and flooding effects
limit sugarcane production in sections 2 and 3.
Exchangeable K in soils ranged from 0.52 to 2.68
cmol(+)/kg (very high). Exchangeable Mg ranged from mediumii
to high
(1.53 to 6.22 cmol(+)/kg)
while exchangeable Ca
was low to medium (2.99 to 7.02 cmol(+)/kg). Available P
was very low to medium (2.18 to 18.2 mg/kg).
DTPA extractable micronutrients are in good supply
Mean values
in topsoils are: Zn,
1.13 mg/kg; Mn,
28.9
mg/kg; and Fe, 131.0 mg/kg.
The cultivated soils of sections 1,
classified
as
Eutric
Fluvisol
(KLP3),
and 3 were
2,
Mollie
Fluvisol
(KLP1) and Mollie Gleysol (KLP2) respectively according to
FAO-UNESCO
(KLP4)
system
of
classification.
The
was classified as Eutric Cambisol.
virgin
soil
According to
USDA Soil Taxonomy, the soils were classified as follows:
Section 1, Typic Ustifluvent; section 2, Typic Haplaquoll;
section 3,
Fluventic Haplaquoll; and the virgin soil as
Typic Tropaquept.
Field
fertilizer
trials
indicated
that
different
levels of NPK applied in the soil did not affect nutrient
uptake by sugarcane to significant level.
These results
were expected as there were appreciable amounts of native
P and K in these soils,
and synergism effect among the
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Irrigation and underground water was found to be of
good quality.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Estate soils, Sugarcane production, Kilombero estate soils, Soil constraints, Fertility status