Browsing by Author "Msaky, J. J. T."

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The effect of parent material and topography on soil morphology, mineralogy, and classification of some soil profiles on a selected transect in Morogoro district, Tanzania
(SADC-ICART Project, 2010) Kaaya, A. K.; Sorensen, R.; Marwa, E. M.; Msaky, J. J. T.
Soil associations on a transect west of Mindu mountains in Morogoro District were studied in order to establish the effect of parent material and topography on soil morphology and mineralogy of some soil profiles in Morogoro District based on their catenary relationships.Eight soil profiles were described, sampled, and analyzed in the laboratory. From the upper to the lower parts of the landscape, the profiles included: well drained soils formed from quartz rich muscovite biotite gneisses and migmatites; well drained soils weathered from hornblende biotite gneiss; and imperfectly drained ‘mbuga’ soils developed from old and recent fluvial materials on the Wami-Mkata plains. The study revealed that changes in soil properties along the transect were abrupt particularly the degree of soil profile development, soil depth, soil colour, clay content, soil mineralogy, cation exchange characteristics, and accumulations of carbonates or Fe-oxides. This demonstrates clearly that the soil properties along this transect are mainly controlled by the nature of the parent materials and their position on the landscape. Soils developed from the quartz rich muscovite biotite gneisses and migmatites in the upper parts of the landscape are moderately weathered, shallo
The effect of some organic acids on phosphorus solubility in soils
(Med. Fac. Landbouww. Rijksuniv. Gent, 1985) Msaky, J. J. T.; Msanya, B. M.
The study on the solubility of phosphorus in three soil types of California (ranging frm ac id to calcareous soils) by three organic ligands (fumarate, oxalate and citrate) showed that important quantities are solubilized by these acids. Oxalic acid prove d to be more effective in solubilizing P than citric and f'umar ic acids for Hugo and Calera soils. However, for Linne soil citrate proved superior over the other two ligands. For all the soils, an increase in the concentration of organic ligand resulted in an increase in solubilized Phosphorus. Such an increase was more pronounc ed for calcareous soil (Linne) than was the case for the other non-calcareous soils.
Pedological and soil fertility characteristics of striga infested soils under maize in Chunya and Iringa districts of Tanzania
(SADC-ICART Project, 2010) Msaky, J. J. T.; Kaaya, A.; Kayeke, M.; Sibuga, K. P.; Kilima, F. T. M.
Maize yields in both Iringa and Chunya districts have been reported to be low due to infestation with Striga. A study was therefore conducted to characterize Striga infested soils and assess their fertility status under maize production in 6 villages of Chunya and Iringa districts. The soils of Iringa were classified as Cambisols and those of Chunya as Arenosols. The results further showed that, the majority of the soils were of sand to loamy sand texture. Such soils are well drained with low water holding capacity, conditions that favour Striga germination. The fertility status was established through physical and chemical analyses of the soils. One hundred and four composite soil samples were collected from the two districts. Laboratory analysis showed that most of the soils were acidic with pH ranging from 4.13 to 7.74 and low to medium cation exchange capacity (CEC). Organic carbon was low with a range of 0.01 to 0.07% while total N values were also low ranging from 0.028 to 0.86%. Phosphorus was low with few samples indicating medium values. Exchangeable bases were generally low with most soils having saturation values of < 50%. Overall, the soils are of low fertility status. The low fertility status and the sandy texture are possibly the cause of high Striga infestation and low maize yields in the two districts. The soils are of low productivity requiring improvement of their organic matter content and application of inorganic fertilizers if improved maize yields are to be realized. It is further recommended that tillage practices that improve the soil physical conditions be adopted, not only for greater maize yields but also as one of the strategies to control the Striga weed. Key words: fertility, maize, soil, striga