Mwango, Sibaway Bakari2025-12-042025-12-042000https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7155Masters' ThesesAn 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.enAutomated land evaluationAlternative land useUluguru mountainsMorogoro Rural DistrictTanzaniaThesis