Welcome to SUAIRE

Sokoine University of Agriculture  Institutional Repository (SUA IR). This repository was built and is maintained by the university library  (Sokoine National Agricultural Library-SNAL) , in order to collect, preserve and disseminate scholarly output generated by University research community (staff and students) members.

This repository hosts a variety of openly accessible materials including: scholarly articles and books, theses and dissertations, conference proceedings and technical reports. For assistance about depositing your research output in the repository click here. SUA IR Policy  click here or any queries contact us at snal@sua.ac.tz.

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Recent Submissions

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The effect of soil type, manure application rate and placement method on the decomposition of, and nitrogen release from, senna siamea green manure
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1996) Haru, Ruth Watiri
The decomposition and nitrogen release of Senna siamea green manure was studied under glasshouse and field conditions. The effects of two soil types, two manure application rates and two methods of manure placement on the decomposition rate were monitored by use of three parameters, namely residual dry matter, organic carbon and total nitrogen. These parameters were measured at the 1st, 3 rd 6ch 9 th and 12th week of manure incubation in the glasshouse while in the field, measurements were made at the 3rd 6 th and 9ch week. The glasshouse study revealed that there was no significant (p=0.05) difference between the decomposition rates, at 10 cm depth, in a Rhodustult (soil 1) and Dystropept (soil 2) as indicated by the three parameters. The manure decomposed faster at a lower application rate (60 kg manure-N/ha) than at a higher rate (150 kg manure N/ha) . Under field conditions, buried manure decomposed faster in soil 2 than in soil 1 while for the surface placed manure the opposite was observed. In soil 1, where termite activity was appreciable, the surface-applied manure decomposed faster than the buried material while in soil 2 manure. the decomposition rate was faster for the buried. The trends of manure decomposition were similar under the two incubation conditions but the decomposition rate after the third week was significantly higher in the field than in the glasshouse. The results of the present study indicated that in the glasshouse, the decomposition rate of green manure was not affected by the soil types used. But the decomposition varied with soil type, manure application rate as well as the mode of placement in the field. Therefore these factors should be considered when conclusions are to be made with respect to nutrient release from this manure.
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Assessment of zinc and copper status in soils of the central part of Sokoine University of Agriculture farm, Morogoro, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1999) Gideon, Ngerageza Faraja
A study was conducted to assess the zinc and copper status in the soils of the central part of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) farm. Twelve soil samples were collected from selected areas in the farm. Zinc and copper in these soils was extracted with four extractants namely 0.005M DTPA-TEA (pH 7.3), 0.005 DTPA-AB (pH 7.3), double acid (0.05M HC1 + 0.0125M H2SO4) . 0.1M HC1 and Two soils (Oxic Haplustult and Typic Rhodustult) out of the twelve soils were used for glasshouse experiment determine to response of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to zinc and copper zinc and application. The soils were each treated with copper at the rates of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 Kg/ha. the Zinc application generally increased the dry matter yield plants in dry matter yield) was both soils. The increases of bean significant when compared to the dry matter yields of the controls. Copper application increased dry matter yield in the Oxic Haplustult where there were positive response to copper application. However negative response (decrease in observed in the Typic Rhodustult. Zinc and copper tissue- concentrations in bean shoots and were their uptake were significantly increased in both soils by the application of zinc and copper. However, the tissue zinc and copper concentrations observed were rather high and above the critical concentrations reported in the literature. Of the four extractants tested, 0.005M DTPA TEA was found most suitable for assessing the available zinc in the soils since it gave significant correlations with plant parameters (dry matter yield, tissue zinc concentrations and zinc plant uptake). The 0. IM HC1 was the second in suitability. However, none of the methods was found to be suitable for the extraction of copper in these soils.
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Ecological health assessment of Lukosi River using macroinvertebrate and riparian vegetation indicators in Iringa, Tanzania
(Water Institute, 2025-12-30) Nyagongo Ahmad Adam; Ndibalema Vedasto Gabriel; Lalika Makarius Christian Sengilinga
The health of river ecosystems is increasingly threatened by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization. This study evaluates the ecological status of the Lukosi River Catchment (LRC) in Kilolo District, Iringa, Tanzania, using macroinvertebrates and riparian vegetation as bioindicators. We employed a cross-sectional design, sampling at upstream, midstream, and downstream sites. Macroinvertebrates were collected via the kicking-bottom method and analyzed using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and the Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT). Riparian vegetation was surveyed through belt transects and assessed by species distribution and proportional cover. Fourteen macroinvertebrate taxa were identified, dominated by water scavenger beetles and snails. Biodiversity was moderate (H′ ≈ 1.98). ASPT scores declined spatially: upstream (good quality), midstream (moderate), and downstream (poor), indicating worsening water quality downstream. The riparian zone was heavily modified: about 58% grasses, 28% shrubs, and 14% trees, reflecting human disturbance and land-use change. The results reveal progressive ecosystem degradation along the river, strongest downstream, likely driven by pollution and catchment alteration. These results call for integrated catchment management policies, stricter land-use regulation, and community-based riparian restoration programs to enhance water quality, biodiversity, and long-term ecological resilience of the LRC.
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The contribution of Dioscorea hirtiflora to the livelihoods of local communities in Lindi and Mtwara Regions, Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2025-08-13) Boniphace MK; Greyson ZN; Makarius CSL
This study assessed the contribution of Dioscorea hirtiflora to the livelihoods of local communities in the Lindi and Mtwara regions of Tanzania. Specifically, it aimed to identify and assess the factors influencing the utilization of D. hirtiflora (Ming'oko), examine the socioeconomic factors influencing its collection, and evaluate its contribution to rural livelihoods. The study used a sample size of 160 respondents randomly selected from eight villages: Mnamba, Madangwa, Hingawali, Nachunyu, Mkunwa, Dihimba, Namayanga, and Pachoto B. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from District Forest and Agricultural Offices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, with descriptive and inferential statistics determined, and regression analysis conducted to assess relationships between variables. The findings indicate a positive relationship between the collection of D. hirtiflora and certain socioeconomic variables. The study found that tubers are harvested from the wild throughout the year, with the highest activity occurring between May and November, peaking in June. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government and NGOs invest in the propagation and domestication of D. hirtiflora to ensure a sustainable supply throughout the year.
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Assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban tributaries draining into Lake Victoria at Musoma and Tarime Towns, Tanzania
(Water Institute, 2025-11-20) Chugu Emmanuel Efrass; Nyangi Magori Jackson; Lalika Makarius Christian
Water contamination by heavy metals poses serious environmental and public health threats, particularly in urban and agricultural regions where human activities intensify pollution. This study aimed to determine the levels of heavy metal contamination in urban tributaries along Musoma and Tarime towns to safeguard aquatic ecology and public health. Seventy- eight water samples were collected from twenty-six strategically selected sites across the two urban areas. Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, turbidity, and temperature) were analyzed on-site using the potentiometric method, while heavy metals (Hg, As, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu) were determined using ICP–OES. Results showed wide spatial variations with pH (7.3–8.94), EC (94–3900 μS/cm), TDS (56–2360 mg/L), turbidity (9.4–2098 NTU), and temperature (22.4–27.8 °C). Metal concentrations ranged from Pb (0.005–0.082 mg/L), Cd (0.002–0.019 mg/L), Cr (0.004–0.021 mg/L), As (0.0003–0.001 mg/L), Cu (0.006–0.118 mg/L), Zn (0.032–0.264 mg/L), and Hg (0.0001–0.0004 mg/L). Pb and Cd Concentrations exceeded WHO drinking water limits, suggesting contamination from mining and domestic discharges. Overall, findings reveal moderate but spatially variable contamination, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring, stricter pollution control, effective remediation to protect water quality in the Lake Victoria Basin.