Browsing by Author "Munishi, P"

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Biomass and carbon storage of a tropical montane rain forest ecosystem in Nothern Tanzania
(2004-01-14) Munishi, P; Maliondo, S; Msanya, M; Malimbwi, E
Field measures of tree dimensions and chemical soil analysis for organic carbon were used to quantify and estimate the biomass and carbon storage potential of a tropical montane rain forest ecosystem in Kilimanjaro, northern Tanzania. Permanent sample plots measuring 20m x 20m were established in six different sites in the forest and all trees > 6cm DBH enumerated. Samples from thirty trees representative of the forest were weighed in the laboratory for biomass determination. The sample tree data were used to develop biomass equations as a function of diameter at breast height (DBH). Carbon content was computed as 49% of the biomass for each site. Soil organic carbon was obtained by laboratory analysis of soil samples taken at different depths of a soil profile dug at each plot centre. The developed biomass equations and the soil organic carbon were used to estimate the biomass and carbon storage per hectare for the forest. The soil carbon storage was significantly higher than that in tree biomass: the aboveground and root carbon of trees averaged 17.64 tons/ha, while the soil carbon averaged 1424 tons/ha. The decrease of soil carbon with depth results from the greater accumulation of organic matter in the surface horizons. The higher carbon content of the soil is attributed to large quantities of organic matter resulting from leaf fall. The high density of small roots in the soil may also be a factor. The potential of this ecosystem to act as a carbon sink and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is evident.
Characterization of some typical soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Iringa, Tanzania: physico-chemical properties and classification
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania., 2014-03) Shelukindo, H. B; Msanya, B; Mwangoli, S; Ernest, S; Munishi, P; Singh, B
Despite the fact that miombo woodland soils have significant implications in global climate change processes, few studies have been done to characterize and classify the soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Tanzania. The current study was carried out to map and classify soils of Kitonga Forest Reserve, which is a typical miombo woodland ecosystem, in order to generate relevant information for their use and management. A representative study area of 52 km2 was selected and mapped at a scale of 1:50,000 on the basis of relief. Ten representative soil profiles were excavated and described using standard methods. Soil samples were taken from genetic soil horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. Using field and laboratory analytical data, the soils were classified according to the FAO-World Reference Base (FAO-WRB) for Soil Resources system as Cambisols, Leptosols and Fluvisols. In the USDA-NRCS Soil Taxonomy system the soils were classified as Inceptisols and Entisols. Topographical features played an important role in soil formation. The different soil types differed in physico-chemical properties, hence exhibit differences in their potentials, constraints and need specific management strategies. Texture varied from sandy to different loams; pH from 5.1 to 5.9; organic carbon from 0.9 g/kg to 20 g/kg; and CEC from 3 cmol/(+)kg to 24 cmol/(+)kg. Sustainable management of miombo woodlands ecosystem soils requires reduced deforestation and reduced land degradation.
Does the abundance of dominant trees affect diversity of a widespread tropical woodland ecosystem in Tanzania
(Cambridge University Press, 2015-05-04) Munishi, P; Shirima, D; Totland, O; Moe, S
Dominant woody species can determine the structure and composition of a plant community by affecting environmental conditions experienced by other species. We explored how dominant tree species affect the tree species richness, diversity, evenness and vertical structural heterogeneity of non-dominant species in wet and dry miombo woodlands of Tanzania. We sampled 146 plots from eight districts with miombo woodlands, covering a wide range of topographic and climatic conditions. We recorded 217 woody plant species belonging to 48 families and 122 genera. Regression analysis showed significant negative linear associations between tree species richness, relative species profile index of the non-dominant and the relative abundance of the dominant tree species (Brachystegia spiciformis and Brachystegia microphylla in wet, and Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora in dry miombo woodlands). Shannon diversity and evenness had strong non-linear negative relationships with relative abundance of dominant tree species. A large number of small individual stems from dominant and non-dominant tree species suggesting good regeneration conditions, and intensive competition affecting survival. We suggest that dominant miombo tree species are suppressing the non-dominant miombo tree species, especially in areas with high recruitments, perhaps because of their important adaptive features (extensive root systems and ectomycorrhizal associations), which enhance their ability to access limited nutrients.
Prevalence and impact of water-borne zoonotic pathogens in water, cattle and humans in selected villages in Dodoma Rural and Bagamoyo districts, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2005-08-15) Munishi, P; Kusiluka, L; Karimuribo, E; Mdegela, R; Luoga, E; Mlozi, M; Kambarage, D
A study on the prevalence of water-borne zoonotic pathogens in water, cattle and humans was conducted in six villages in Dodoma Rural (5) and Bagamoyo (1) districts, Tanzania. Water sources were screened for faecal coliform organisms, thermophilic Campylobac- ter, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Faecal samples from cattle and humans were also analysed for the above specific patho- gens. Results indicate that 70.8% (n = 48) of the water sources screened were contaminated with faecal coliform organisms. Water sources in two villages, one each in Dodoma Rural and Bagamoyo districts were also contaminated with Giardia lamblia. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in cattle in the two study areas was 2.3% (n = 942) and at least one animal in each village was infected with C. jejuni. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in 0.5% (n = 942) of the cattle examined in three villages in Dodoma district. Sal- monella spp. was demonstrated in only 1.4% (n = 144) of the cattle in Chalinze village in Dodoma Rural district while G. lamblia was only detected in 1.5% (n = 202) of the animals examined in Chamakweza village in Bagamoyo district. Nine (1.9%) of the people screened at three heath centres in the study areas were infected with C. jejuni while 3.7% (n = 484) of the people had C. parvum oocysts. G. lamblia was detected in 2.5% of the 202 people screened at the Chalinze health centre in Bagamoyo district. Analysis of the secondary data revealed that clinical complaints related to enteric diseases were prevalent in humans in the two areas throughout the year and the prev- alence varied from about 1% to 25% in both <5 years and P5 years patients. In conclusion, this study has highlighted the possible public health risks, which may be associated with keeping of animals and sharing of water sources between humans and animals. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.