Browsing by Author "Msanya, Balthazar Michael"

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Effect of tillage methods, farmyard manure and potassium rates on some soil chemical properties and nutrient contents in cassava in Kagera, Tanzania
(Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2023) Merumba, Mgeta Steven; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo; Semu, Ernest; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Kibura, Jojianas Kokulamka
A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts, Tanzania for the objective of determining the effect of tillage methods, farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium rates on soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves. The treatments were arranged in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using the split-plot design with three replications. Tillage methods (flat tillage, open ridging and tied ridging), were the main plots, and the fertilizer rates [farmyard manure (FYM) alone at 4 MT ha-1 alone or FYM alone at 8 MT ha-1, nitrogen (40 kg N ha-1) + phosphorus (30 kg P ha-1) + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 and the combination of FYM alone at 4 MT ha-1 or FYM alone 8 MT ha-1 + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1] and the control, were the sub-plots. The inherent and post-harvest composite soil samples for determining soil pH and the concentration of N, P and K in each site were collected, processed and analysed. Post-harvest soil samples and cassava leaf samples were collected from the control plots and plots that received the combination of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 or 120 kg K ha-1 during the second cropping season. The leaf samples were oven dried at 70oC, grounded to pass through 0.5 mm sieve and analyzed. The results indicate that there was no a significant (P = .05) difference in the soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves among the tillage methods. There was a significant (P < .001) difference in the soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves between the control and the combined use of FYM and potassium rates. However, there was no a significant (P =.05) difference in the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils among the combined use of FYM and potassium rates, but there was a significant (P < .001) difference in the concentrations of N and K in cassava leaves among the combined use of FYM and potassium rates. The combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1, and the combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 significantly (P < .01) increased the soil pH and the concentration of N and K in the soil. However, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 gave significantly (P < .001) higher concentrations of N and K in cassava leaves than the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1. Therefore, combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 is desirable for increasing the concentration of N and K in the soil and in cassava leaves. However, for the resource-poor farmers who cannot afford the high rate of K, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1 could be used.
Equation chapter 1 section 1 corn suitability rating for southern highland zone of Tanzania - a feasibility assessment at the TARI-Uyole, Mbeya, Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2020) Mtama, Johnson Godlove; Lee Burras, Charles; Msanya, Balthazar Michael
Corn productivity indices (CSR2T) for representative soils in the Southern Highland Zone of Tanzania were developed. The approaches used were derived from Iowa State University’s CSR2. Consistent with ISU, index points were applied to the pedon based on the USDA Soil Taxonomy subgroup, family particle size class, and available water holding capacity, solum depth and resilience to degradation characterizations. Additional index points were applied based on field conditions especially slope, erosion history and flooding or ponding risk in order to determine the inherent productivity potential of the soils in the work sites. The results were used to develop the Corn Suitability Rating in Tanzania (CSR2T) for the soil settings of Southern Highlands. Sites’ characterization results were linked with the maize field experimental results from 2003 to 2016 to determine the inherent corn productivity indices for the sites. The soils were found to have CSR2T values of 72, 56, 62 and 48 for Uyole, Mbimba, Inyala and Seatondale farms, respectively. The soils of Seatondale were observed to be more limited by water holding capacity. However, generally the study soils are observed to have good pedogenic potential for corn productivity and very minimal pedogenic limitations for corn productivity. The most serious limitation seems to be low water holding capacity
Pedological characterization and suitability assessment for cassava production in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts, Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2020) Merumba, Mgeta Steven; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Semu, Ernest; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo
A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts, Tanzania with the objectives of characterizing, classifying and assessing the suitability of the study area for cassava production. A reconnaissance field survey using transect walks and auger observations was done in the study sites, which were geo-referenced in terms of international coordinates using Global Positioning System. Soil profiles representative of the study sites were excavated and named as MARU-P1, MISSE-P1 and BIHA-P1 for Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts, respectively. Soil profile description and data on the morphological features of the representative soils were collected according to the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from genetic soil horizons, processed and analyzed in a soil laboratory. Data on site characteristics, climate, soil morphological features and soil physical and chemical properties were used to classify the soils to the family level of the USDA Soil Taxonomy and to tier-2 of the FAO World Reference Base for Soil Resources. Soil suitability assessment of the experimental sites was done using a simple limitation method based on the FAO Framework for Land Evaluation. The results reveal that Pedons MARU-P1 and BIHA-P1 have similar morphological properties, which are different from pedon MISSE-P1. However, the studied pedons differ in their physical and chemical properties, implying differences in their use and management. The climate of the study sites is semi-humid with Udic soil moisture regime, which is generally favourable for crop production. According to the USDA Soil Taxonomy, pedons MARU- P1 and BIHA-P1 were classified as “Typic Kandiudults”. In addition, according to FAO World Reference Base for Soil Resources, pedons MARU-P1 and BIHA-P1 were classified as “Haplic Ferralic Acrisols” and “Chromic Ferralic Acrisols”, respectively. Pedon MISSE-P1 was classified as “Typic Endoaquolls” according to USDA Soil Taxonomy and as “Fluvic Gleyic Phaeozems” according to FAO World Reference Base for Soil Resources. Pedons MISSE-P1 and BIHA-P1 were both evaluated as marginally suitable while MARU-P1 pedon was evaluated as moderately suitable for cassava production due to soil fertility constraints. We recommended specific soil fertility management strategies in each studied site for optimum cassava yields.
Pedological Characterization of Soils Developed from Volcanic Parent Materials of Northern Province of Rwanda
(Science publishing group, 2016-10) Uwitonze, Providence; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Mtakwa, Peter Wilson; Uwingabire, Solange; Sirikare, Sylvere
Soils formed from volcanic materials have high potential for agricultural production and support high human population densities. This study was carried out on soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Northern Province of Rwanda aiming largely on pedological characterization but to a certain extent on assessment of potentials of soils for production of major crops in the area. Three representative pedons namely Kinigi Pedon 1 (KNG-P1), Kinigi Pedon 2 (KNGP2) and Gahunga Pedon 1 (GHNG-P1) were identified and described. Sixteen soil samples were collected from different pedogenic horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical properties. Pedons were classified using USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO-WRB for Soil Resources. Potentials and limitations of the soils were also identified. Results show that soils were shallow to very deep and well drained. Topsoils were very dark coloured with colour values of ≤ 2 in all pedons. Texture was generally loamy with bulk densities of < 0.47 g/cm3 in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 while they ranged from 0.94 to 1.34 g/cm3 in Pedon GHNG-P1. Topsoils were medium acid (KNG-P1, KNG-P2) and mildly alkaline (GHNG-P1), with high to very high OC ranging from 3.97 to 13.03%. CECsoil was high (> 32 cmol (+)/kg) in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2. Base saturation was low (< 30%) in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 while it was high (> 50%) in Pedon GHNG-P1. pHNaF was > 9.5 in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 reflecting exchange complex dominated by amorphous materials and/or humus complexes. Phosphorus retention capacity ranged from 6.25% to 99.58% and only Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 met the “andic properties” requirement of PRC ≥ 85%. Melanic index values indicated that these two pedons were characterized more by fulvic than humic acids. Nutrient imbalance with reference to basic cations was common in all studied soils, implying suboptimal nutrient uptake and toxicity. Fe2O3, SiO2 and Al2O3 were the dominant oxides in the studied soils. Degree of weathering of studied soils was low as indicated by their weathering indices. Using field and laboratory data, Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 classified as Andisols/Andosols and GHNG-P1 as Mollisols/Phaeozems. Land units represented by Pedons KNGP1 and KNG-P2 were rated as marginally suitable while land unit represented by Pedon GHNG-P1 was rated as moderately suitable for the major crops of the area. Application of P fertilizers coupled with efficient placement was recommended to enhance P, and soil conservation should be underscored in study area.
Pedological characterization of soils developed on gneissic granites in the Congo Nile watershed divide and central plateau zones, Rwanda
(2016-09) Uwingabire, Solange; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Mtakwa, Peter Wilson; Uwitonze, Providence; Sirikare, Sylvere
Pedological characterization was carried out on soils developed on gneissic granites of Southern Province of Rwanda. Three representative soil profiles (GSK-PI, GSK-P2 and TMB-PI) were identified, described and sampled using standard manuals. A total of nineteen soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for physicochemical properties. Soil classification was carried out using two international systems of classification. The potentials and limitations of the soils were also identified. All studied pedons were very deep, well drained with loamy to clayey topsoil textures overlying dominantly clayey subsoil textures. The deeper subsoil ofPedon TMBPI consisted of loamy and sandy textures. Pedons GSK-PI and GSK-P2 depicted eluviation-illuviation process as indicated by presence of clay cutans in subsoils. Analytical data showed low bulk and particle densities and high porosity in topsoils ranging from 1.02 to 1.34 g/crrr', from 2.18 to 2.59 g/cm! and from 48.34 to 53.23%, respectively. Topsoilsof studied soils were strongly to slightly acidic with pH ranging from 5.49 to 6.59 while subsoils were strongly acidic to medium acidic with pH range between 5.13 and 5.86. The studied pedons had very low to medium total nitrogen and organic carbon respectively ranging from 0.15 to 0.24% and from 1.6 to 2.5%, both decreasing with depth. Topsoil and subsoil cation exchange capacity of the soils respectively ranged from low (9.8 - 21.6 cmol (+)/kg) to medium (4.2 - 13.2 cmol (+)/kg). Base saturation of the studied pedons was rated as low « 50%) throughout all horizons of studied pedons. Whereas topsoil available phosphorus ranged from low to medium (6.4 - 15.7 rug/kg) and decreased with depth, phosphorus retention capacity was < 50% and increased with depth in Pedons GSK-PI and GSK-P2 but didnot show any definite trend in PedonTMB-PI. All studied pedons indicated suboptimal nutrient ratios with reference to the basic cations, implying potential nutrient imbalance and toxicity of these nutrients. SiD" AI,O, and Fe,O, ranged from 45.4 to 58.4%, 17.0 to 27.0% and 16.7 to 24.3%, respectively. On the basis of silt/clay ratios, the degree of weathering of the studied pedons followed the trend GSK-PI>GSK-P2>TMB-PI. According to USDA Soil Taxonomy, the studied pedons classified as Ultisols (GSK-PI and GSK-PI) and Inceptisols (TMB-PI), respectively, correlating to Alisols and Cambisols of WRB for Soil Resources. The studied soils were generally rated as having low fertility and only marginal suitability for the major crops of the area. Specific land management and cropping systems were recommended for sustainable utilization of soils.
Profitability of using different rates of farmyard manure and potassium fertilizer for cassava production in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts, Tanzania
(ResearchGate, 2022-08-10) Merumba, Mgeta Steven; Semu, Ernest; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Kibura, Jojianas Kokulamka; Blandes, Joyce Siima
The resolution of using or not using a particular technology in crop production is governed by the profitability of that technology being used. A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts in the Kagera region during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 cropping seasons to determine the economic benefit of using different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium (K) fertilizer in cassava production. One village potential for cassava production was selected in each district for establishment of cassava trials. Three tillage methods [flat tillage, tied ridging and -1 -1 open ridging] and eleven fertilizer rates [FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha , N40P30 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha , FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha-1 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha-1] and the control, were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications using a split-plot design. Tillage methods were the main plots and fertilizer rates were the subplots. Cassava yields (MT ha-1) were collected at harvesting (12 months after planting). Partial budget analysis was carried out to estimate the gross values using the adjusted yields at market price for cassava and fertilizers. Costs and benefits -1 -1 were calculated on a hectare basis, in Tanzania Shillings (TShs) ha , and converted to USD ha based on the prevailing exchange rate of 1 USD, equivalent to 2 300 TShs. All variable costs were summed up to total variable cost (TVC). The net benefits (NB) [gross benefit (GB) - TVC] ha-1 of the tested treatments were calculated and used to assess the profitability of each treatment. Moreover, the benefit-cost ratios (BCR) [net benefit ÷ TVC] of the tested treatments were compared to the acceptable value of greater than 2 for the technology to be adopted by farmers. The results indicated that in both cropping seasons, and in all studied sites, all the tested fertilizer types and rates gave acceptable BCR of greater than 2, implying that all the fertilizer types and rates could be used for cassava production in the study area. The results on net benefit indicated that the combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 80 kg K ha-1 gave higher net benefit (3 020 500 – 9 168 000 TShs ha-1 (1 313.3 – 3 986.1 USD ha-1) than the other fertilizer types and rates (1 915 000 – 9 024 500 (832.6 – 3 923.7 USD ha-1) and is therefore, desirable for increasing cassava root yield and net benefit. However, for the resource-poor farmers, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 40 kg K ha-1 can still be adopted because, for some reason, not all the famers can afford the best treatment.
Soil fertility status in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts in Kagera Region, Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group, 2020) Merumba, Mgeta Steven; Semu, Ernest; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo; Msanya, Balthazar Michael
The study was conducted in three Districts of Kagera Region, Tanzania to assess the inherent soil fertility status of farmers' fields. Thirty-three fields, located three to five km apart, were selected and soil samples (0 – 20 cm depth) were taken, mixed thoroughly, air-dried, ground, sieved through 2 mm sieve, and analyzed in the soil laboratory based on standard laboratory analytical procedures. Correlation analyses among soil chemical properties were performed using IBM SPSS Statistic 20 and the mean values were calculated using Excel spreadsheet statistical package. Soil fertility index (SFI) and limiting nutrients were used to assess the fertility status of the fields. The results indicated that soil textures ranged from sandy clay loam to sandy clay, clay loam, clay to sandy. Soil pH ranged from strongly acid (5.1) to slightly acid (6.1) while EC levels were very low (0.03 - 0.17 dS m-1). Total TN ranged from very low to medium (0.04 - 0.41%), extractable P ranged from low to high (0.44 - 86.44 mg kg-1) and Exchangeable K ranged from very low to medium (0.08 - 0.98 cmol(+) kg-1). Exchangeable S ranged from low to medium (2.27 - 12.14 mg kg-1) while CEC ranged from very low to medium (5.20 - 23.00 cmol(+) kg-1), extractable Zn ranged from medium to high (0.85 - 18.41 mg kg-1), Cu from medium to high (0.47 - 2.81 mg kg-1), and Mn and Fe were medium (2.24 - 70.34 mg kg-1) and high (37.50 - 473.21 mg kg-1), respectively. The results also indicated both positive (r=+ve) and negative (r=-ve) and both significantly (p≤0.05) and highly significantly (p≤0.01) correlations among the soil chemical properties in each districts. Based on SFI, the soil fertility status of the studied fields ranged from poor fertility to good fertility. The results on the limiting nutrients across the studied fields indicated that N and K were the most limiting nutrients (67%) followed by P (52%), S (32%), Mg and OC (18%) and the least was Ca (15%). The results also indicated that N and P were the most limiting nutrients in Bukoba District while N and S were the most limiting nutrients in Missenyi District and N, P and K were the most limiting nutrients in Biharamulo District. Therefore, specific soil fertility management practices are recommended based on limiting nutrients in those fields having inadequate levels of plant nutrients together with training of farmers on proper use of the appropriate soil fertility management practices.
Tidal trends and magnitude of Chwaka and Uzi Bays as a proxy of seawater intrusion in Jozani Groundwater Forest, Zanzibar, Tanzania
(American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 2016) Said, Masoud Salum; Msanya, Balthazar Michael; Semoka, Johnson Mashambo; Maliondo, Salim Mohamed Salim
Tidal characteristics, land altitude, level of groundwater, and rainfall patterns are among the main factors determining seawater intrusions in coastal areas. As Jozani Groundwater Forest (JGWF) is a coastal forest of low altitude found between Chwaka and Uzi bays, it was assumed the forest is increasingly being intruded by seawater. This study was therefore intended to discern conditions of tidal trends and magnitude in relation to seawater intrusion into JGWF. Tidal data and rainfall patterns were collected from Tanzania Meteorological Agency, Kisauni Zanzibar. Two sets of three observation wells (OWs) were opened at two forest ends towards Chwaka and Uzi bays. The OWs were used as data collection points while Height of Instrument method with the help of SOKKIA C.3.2 level and benchmarks number 205 and 210 were used to determine elevation of ground surfaces of the OWs. GPS receiver model GARMIN etrex 10 was used for geo-referencing the OWs. Water level recorders were installed above the wells to record changes in water level (WL) around the wells. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in water samples from the OWs were measured in situ using Hanna Combo tester HI 98129. Results showed that WL in South-end OWs rises during rains and falls during dry seasons, and occasionally also rises during high water of spring tide (HWST) associated with South Easterly monsoon winds. Similar results were obtained at North-end OWs, but more frequently even during HWST that were not associated with Monsoon winds. Values of water TDS fell to a minimum of 0.7 x 103 and 4.9 x 103 ppm during rainfall and rose to a maximum of 25.5 x 103 and 34.1 x 103 ppm during dry season at South-end and North-end, respectively. It was concluded that intrusion takes place during dry seasons when seawater of HWST from Chwaka and Uzi bays through creeks reached the soil surfaces at North-end and South-end of JGWF. The water accumulated salts which were then diluted and drained off the areas by rain water.