Browsing by Author "Meliyo, J. L."

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Assessing drivers of soil properties and classification in the West Usambara mountains, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2017-10-16) Massawe, B. H. J.; Winowiecki, L.; Meliyo, J. L.; Mbogoni, J. D. J.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D.; Deckersf, J.; Gulinck, H.; Lyamchai, C.; Sayula, G.; Msokah, E.; Vagen, T.; Brush, G.; Jelinskii, N. A.
Improved soil information in tropical montane regions is critical for conservation, sustainable agricultural management, and land use planning, but is often challenged by topographic and land-use heterogeneity. The West Usambara mountains are a part of the Eastern Arc chain of mountains of Tanzania and Kenya, a globally important tropical montane ecoregion made up of isolated fault-block mountain complexes characterized by high biological endemism, population density, and agronomic productivity. We synthesized novel and legacy soil data from published and unpublished studies to better understand the drivers of soil property distributions and soil diversity in the West Usambaras, and to serve as a foundation for improved soil mapping efforts across the Eastern Arc. Analysis of the resulting dataset of 468 sites (ranging in elevation from 1040 to 2230 m.a.s.l.) revealed that soil properties varied more significantly by land use and topography than by soil type, suggesting that future mapping efforts in the region should focus primarily on soil property prediction and secondarily on soil classification. Sites under cultivated land uses had the lowest topsoil soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and highest pH values, and SOC generally increased with increasing elevation. Valley soils had significantly lower surface SOC concentrations but higher exchangeable bases and pH values than all other landscape positions. Soil pH decreased by an average of 3.5 units across the entire elevation gradient and decreased by 1 unit with elevation even after SOC, land use and landscape position were included in multiple regression models. The relationship of cation exchange capacity (CEC) to SOC and clay content varied by landscape position. Therefore, particularly in montane regions where soils can vary significantly over short distances, multiple functions may be necessary to produce improved estimates of parameters such as CEC. Soil classification was driven most strongly by topography, with Acrisols (WRB Reference Group) and Ultisols (U.S. Soil Taxonomy (ST)) as the dominant soil types, located primarily on mid slope, upper slope and crest landscape positions, making up 47% and 75% of observed profiles, respectively. However, five ST Orders and seven WRB Reference Groups were present in the dataset, with the highest soil diversity occurring at lower slope landscape positions. Conclusions drawn from this large dataset support previous work in the West Usambaras and provide a conceptual foundation from which to build improved soil maps across the Eastern Arc and in other tropical montane systems throughout the world.
Ecological biogeography of West Usambara Mountains: a study on the influence of abiotic factors to spatial distribution of plant and animal species
(INTECH, 2018) Meliyo, J. L.; Masuki, K. F. G.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Mulungu, L. S.
West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania are famous for rich biodiversity and endemic species of plants and animals. Although there have been extensive studies on plant and animals species, little attention has been given on abiotic factors influencing their spatial distribution. Given rampant degradation of vegetation and associated consequence on biodiversity, knowledge on abiotic factors influencing distribution of species along the landscape become pertinent for conservation. A study was carried out to explore abiotic factors impacting plant and animals species distribution. Soil, landform and land use/cover were studied using grids of 20 m × 20 m using FAO Guidelines for Soil Profile and Habitat Descriptions. Soils were described, sampled for laboratory analysis. Spatial distribution of plant species were determined in the grids, and along the transects, every time estimating the percent cover and describing the habitat. Distribution of animal species was studied using both small mammals and rodent burrows as proxies. Trapping was done using different traps sizes, checking daily for animal caught, counting and re-trapping. Rodent burrows were estimated in same grids by examining a width of 0.5 m from end to end of grid and total number of burrows recorded. Determination of species distribution was done using GLM regression. Results show that species are influenced by elevation, which was common to both plants and animals. Topsoil soil depth was positive to plant species whereas hillshade, surface stones, cultivation and atmospheric temperature were negatively influencing plant species. Rock outcrops, surface stones and cultivation were positively influencing small mammals distribution. It is concluded that factors influencing distribution of small mammals are elevation, surface stones, rock outcrop and cultivation. Factors influencing plant species are elevation soil depth whereas cultivation, hillshade, surface stone and rock out crops negatively impact distribution. For conservation, it is recommended that the best steps are to stop human activities leading to depletion of plant species and accelerating soil erosion and allow for self-regeneration. Control of soil erosion strongly recommended as way of plant species re-establishment.
Exploring farmers’ perception, knowledge, and management techniques of salt-affected soils to enhance rice production on small land holdings in Tanzania
(Taylor&Francis, 2022-10) Omar, M. M; Shitindi, M. J.; Massawe, B. H. J; Fue, K. G; Pedersen, O.; Meliyo, J. L.
Salt-affected soils among the key constraints to land productivity in irrigated rice schemes, posing a decline in grain yield. This study was conducted to explore the farmers’ perception, knowledge, and management practices of salt- affected soils in selected rice irrigation schemes of the representative districts in Tanzania. Whereas salt-affected soils were perceived as one of the constraints in the studied irrigation schemes, the extent of coverage and the severity of the effect are rarely documented. Therefore, the primary hypothesis of this study is that salt- affected soils could have an effect on rice production across irrigation schemes; and that farmers differ in perception, knowledge, and coping mechanisms. The Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach was employed to explore the farmers’ information from Mbarali, Iringa, Same, and Moshi districts, whereby 323 rice- growing farmers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Moreover, 120 farmers were involved in focus group discussions and 24 key informants. Our
Livestock resources inventory and mapping in agro-pastoral area of Senani, Maswa District, Shinyanga, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2011) Boniface, H.; Massawe, J.; Meliyo, J. L.; Mwilawa, A.; Mashalla, B.
The agro-pastoralist economy is based on livestock and crop production. The societies practicing agro-pastoralism are equally highly dependent on livestock for their basic food, income and social needs as it is for crop production. The Agro-pastoral production system has developed in semi arid lands and is arguably the best form of land use for these areas. In Senani area where agro-pastoralism is practiced, the agro-pastoralists tend to leave some portions of their land as grazing reserves. The herds of cattle, sheep and goats utilize the forage and water in these grazing reserves only during dry season. This system allows the set aside land to be left free from human activities and livestock grazing during rainy season, which allows natural re-establishment of pasture for re-use in the next dry season. The sizes of the herds in Senani are relatively large such that the grazing reserves with their associated water points are by far less sufficient. This necessitates seasonal migration of some of the animals to the wider grazing lands and permanent water sources in nearby and distant areas. The movements of the agro-pastoralists are therefore very much influenced by the size of their herds in comparison to the size of the grazing reserves under their access and the availability of drinking water. They are also influenced by the factors which affect the abundance and performance of the pasture in their grazing reserves such as favourable amount and distribution of precipitation. The movements in search for pasture and water raise a lot of conflicts with other land users especially the crop growers and conservationists. Information on the available livestock resources is very important for development players who would wish to intervene in improving livestock production. It is on that basis that the project on “Contingency Plans for coping with Crisis Situations in Pastoral Areas of Eastern and Central Africa” wanted to get the livestock resource information of Senani area so that it can use it for appropriate planning and implementation of sustainable livestock production and development of general management plans. The information sought by the project included the livestock migration routes, water sources, grazing reserves, livestock market centres and livestock health services. This information could be acquired, processed and presented using GIS operations. To accomplish that goal, the Project Coordinator requested Mr. Boniface H. J. Massawe of Department of Soil Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania to make an inventory and map the aforesaid livestock resources in the agro-pastoral community of Senani in Maswa district, Shinyanga region, Tanzania by using GIS technologies. The field work was carried out between 15 th and 21 st May, 2011.
Salt-affected soils in Tanzanian agricultural lands: type of soils and extent of the problem
(Taylor & Francis Group., 2023) Omar, M. M.; Shitindi, M. J.; Massawe, B. H. J.; Fue, K. G.; Meliyo, J. L.; Pedersen, O.
Salt-affected soils are a global challenge, affecting 1 billion ha of land, with 200 million ha found in Africa. The challenge brings adverse impacts on agricultural productivity, food security, environ mental sustainability, and food security. In Tanzania, more than 2 million ha of land are salt- affected, of which 1.7 million ha are saline soil and 0.3 million ha are sodic soil. To cope with this threat, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of its extent (coverage), existing types, and available management strategies. This review presents a comprehensive account of the challenges and opportunities of salt-affected soils in Tanzania and examines management options that have been observed to increase agricultural productivity in rice-growing areas. A systematic review of relevant articles published in databases was carried out using PRISMA guidelines and flowcharts. This review highlights the origin, extent, types, and various techniques for alleviating salt-affected soil problems. It also emphasize on the use of inorganic and organic amendments, salt-tolerant varieties, irrigation water quality, and drainage infrastructure. We revealed that farmers, use burned and unburned rice husks, sawdust, gypsum, and farm yard manure (FYM) as copping mechanisms. Furthermore, there have been continuing efforts to develop salt-tolerant rice vari eties, coupled with maintenance of irrigation infrastructure and site-specific soil management options, as appropriate solutions to tackle salt issues. Given the light of existing data, the review recommends using RS and GIS for updating information on salt-affected soils, particularly in irrigated areas, as an essential component of sustainable management and preventing further loss of agricultural land.
Selected soil properties for prediction of plague vectors and reservoirs in Mavumo area, Lushoto district, Tanzania
(RUFORUM, 2010-09) John, B. H.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Meliyo, J. L.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Kihupi, N. I.; Gulinck, H.
The importance of selected soil properties with respect to occurrence of plague vectors and reservoirs was studied in Lushoto District, Tanzania. Plague reservoirs showed significant correlation (p<0.05) with subsoil percent clay, topsoil percent total nitrogen, topsoil C/N, topsoil pH and topsoil DTPA extractable Cu. Plague vectors’ occurrence showed significant correlation (p<0.05) with effective soil depth, topsoil percent total nitrogen, topsoil C/N, subsoil percent organic carbon and with topsoil DTPA extractable Zn. It is recommended that plague disease control should also employ knowledge on relationships between soil properties and plague reservoirs and vectors.
Soil fertility and crop yield variability under major soil and water conservation technologies in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2014-12-15) Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Msanya, B. M.; Mtakwa, Peter W.; Deckers, J.; Poesen, J.; Meliyo, J. L.; Dondeyne, S.
Indigenous soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies such as miraba (rectangular grass strip bounds that do not necessarily follow contours) and micro ridges have been used widely in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. However, their strengths and limitations to crop productivity have not been investigated. This study aimed to determine soil fertility and crop yield variability under miraba, micro ridges and bench terraces as a way to explore and compare these SWC technologies. A survey was carried out in Majulai watershed (with Acrisols as dominant soils) which is highly affected by soil degradation due to water erosion. Composite soil samples were collected from 0 - 30 cm depth in upper, middle and lower segments within bench terraces, micro ridges and miraba at the upper, mid and lower slopes of the watershed. Contents of most soil nutrients (e.g. + 2+ 2+ available P, K , Ca and Mg ) and maize grain yields varied significantly (P=.05) between SWC technologies, with the trend: bench terraces > micro ridges >miraba>control (fields with no SWC measures). Similarly under all SWC technologies soil fertility and maize grain yields varied significantly (P=.05) with slope position, showing the trend: lower slopes > mid slopes > upper slopes. Moreover, soil fertility and maize grain yields varied significantly (P=.05) between segments of the studied SWC technologies except for bench terraces. The trends for both soil fertility and maize grain yields were as follows: lower segments > middle segments > upper segments under micro ridges; lower segments > upper segments > middle segments under miraba. These observations call for management strategies and technological adjustments that would reduce pattern and magnitude of spatial variations of soil nutrients and crop yields under miraba and micro ridges for improved crop production in the Usambara Mountains.
Variability of soil organic carbon with landforms and land use in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania
(Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 2016-09) Meliyo, J. L.; Msanya, B. M.; Kimaro, D. N.; Massawe, B. H. J.; Hieronimo, P.; Mulungu, L. S.; Deckers, J.; Gulinck, H.
This study was carried out to assist in the formulation of conservation technologies for landscape sustained productivity in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Conventional soil survey methods were used to develop a base map on which 55 soil profile pits were randomly located on representative landforms and land use mapping units. Soil samples were collected from topsoils for soil carbon analysis using the wet digestion method. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to establish relationships between landforms, land use and soil organic carbon levels. Results showed that carbon levels ranged between 0.55 and 10.8% for bush land and forest plantations in the plain and plateau, respectively. Under cultivation, soil organic carbon (SOC) levels varied between 1.03 and 6.34% for mid-slopes and lower slopes of the plateau respectively. The average soil organic carbon in the vegetable growing valley bottoms was 4.5% while in the forest plantation was 5.5% with minimum and maximum of 0.8 and 10.8% respectively. Linear regression model analysis indicated that factors influencing variability of SOC apart from land use are: slope form, soil pH, electrical conductivity and CECclay. It was concluded that soil organic matter in the study area is mainly determined by elevation, slope form and type of land use and management. Introduction of soil erosion control measures and incorporation of crop residues to areas where soil organic matter has been depleted were recommended for sustainable crop production.