Browsing by Author "Mugasha, A.G."

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Differential response to tree fallows in rotational woodlot systems In semi-arid Tanzania: post-fallow maize yield, nutrient uptake, And soil nutrients
(elservier, 2008) Kimaro, A.A.; Timmer, V.R.; Chamshama, S.A.O.; Mugasha, A.G.; Kimaro, D.A.
Agroforestry tree species producing high quality litter may enhance post-fallow soil nutrient availability and crop yields through mineralization of soil organic matter and green manure. A split-plot field experiment was used to evaluate maize yield and soil N and P status after fallowing indigenous and exotic tree species of contrasting litter quality. Responses were compared with recommended inorganic fertilizer use. The objective was to assess efficacy of 5-year tree fallows in improving soil productivity to screen species for increased crop yield under rotational woodlot culture, an agroforestry system mainly used for on-farm fuelwood production in semi-arid Tanzania. Post- fallow maize yield and soil nutrients differed significantly among tree fallows. Low C:N and L:N ratios enhanced nutrient release from slash. Acacia polyacantha (indigenous) and Gliricidia sepium fallows doubled maize yield compared to the natural fallow probably due to high soil N and P levels resulting from net release by high quality foliage. First season maize yield was similar to that from combined N and P fertilizers indicating high capacity of the fallows to improve crop yields and reduce fertilizer inputs usually unaffordable to small-scale farmers. Comparatively low maize yield and soil N and P levels after exotic Acacia crassicarpa and Acacia mangium fallows were attributed to net N immobilization by poor quality litter during growing seasons. This study suggests that rotational woodlot systems utilizing tree species with high litter quality can improve both post-fallow maize yield and soil fertility as well as produce sufficient fuelwood. In this aspect, A. polyacantha would be the most appropriate species.
Improvement of soil fertility by improved fallows of Cajanus cajan, Sesbania sesban and Tephrosia vogelii at Gairo in Morogoro, Tanzania
(2001) Mgangamundo, M.A.; Mugasha, A.G.; Chamsham, S.A.O.
This study was carried out at Gairo in Morogoro Tanzania to evaluate the effects, of fallow periods and fallow types on soil fertility improvement. A split-plot experimental design with three replications was adopted. Three fallow periods (i.e. 1, 2 and 3 years) were involved in this study. Soil pH, EC, OC, total N available P and total P were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by fallow periods and fallow types. Greater improvement in soil fertility was achieved by the improved fallows of S. sesban, T. vogelii and C cajan than the natural fallow. Soil fertility was found to increase with increasing fallow period from 1 to 3 years. Continuous cropping for 3 years resulted in greater decline in soil fertility. It is therefore concluded that improved fallows of S.sesban, T. vogelii, and C. cajan have the potential of improving soil fortility and so reduce the problems associated with a decline in soil fertility Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the species be tested on farm and further investigations be carried to examine nutrient dynamics and sustainability of maize crop yield after fallow .
Perfonnance ,of Provenances of Sesbania macrontha at Gairo, Morogoro,Tanzania
(1999) Mgangamundo, M.A.; Mugasha, A.G.; Chamshama, S.A.O.
Performance evaluation was 'conducted among 21 provenances of Sesbania macrantha from 9 regions of Tanzania and one region of Rwanda. The trial was established in February, 1996 at Gairo, Morogoro, Tanzania. Assessments were carried out at 6, 12 and 15 months for survival, root-collar diameter and height. Biomass production was ass(!ssed during the last assessment occasion. Significant variation among the provenances for survival, root-collar diameter, height and biomass production was observed. The Andago (Arusha) provenance achieved greatest survival (83.3%) followed by the Biharamulo (Kage ra) and Kisabya (Kigoma) provenances (80.0%), while Miabeze (Mbeya) provenance had least survival 0/20.0%. No significant differences were observed in mean root-collar diameter and height from the (jh to 15th monih after planting. Biharamulo(Kagera) provenance was found to be outstanding in respect ofJotal biomass production (12.2 t ha .1), followed by Chala (Rukwa) provenance (10.3 t ha .1). Kangamo (Mbeya) provenance had the least total biomass production of 2. 3 t ha .1. Overall, the Andago, Biharamulo, Chala, Kikomakoma, Kisabya and Banda provenances were the best perfonners while the Lundamoto, Miabeze, Kibondo, Kishoju, Kidiama, Wondo and Kangamo failed to put on promising growth. It is recommended that Sesbania macrantha provenances from Andago, Biharamulo and Chala be used in improvedfallow/relay cropping systems in Gairo and other areas with similar environmental conditions in that order of priority.