Browsing by Author "Singh, Bal Ram"

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Characterization of some typical soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Iringa, Tanzania: physico-chemical properties and classification
(Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2014-03-20) Shelukindo, Hassan Bashiru; Msanya, B. M.; Semu, Ernest; Mwango, Sibaway Bakari; Singh, Bal Ram; Munishi, Pantaleo
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 km 2 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.
Climate Impacts on Agricultural and Natural Resource Sustainability in Africa
(Springer, 2020) Singh, Bal Ram; Safalaoh, Andy; Amuri, Nyambilila A; Eik, Lars Olav; Sitaula, Bishal K; Lal, Rattan
The major challenge related to sustainable management of natural resources, agricultural and livestock production, and the assessment of innovative technologies and policies is to identify solutions for these problems. Soil degradation, a serious problem in sub-Saharan Africa, is affected by climate change through emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Thus, restoration and sustainable management of soil to minimize risks of soil degradation are important to adaptation and mitigation of climate change and to advancing sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Livestock is a source of animal proteins for humans on the one hand and a source of nutrients and energy (biogas) on the other. However, livestock is vulnerable to many climate change-induced disasters such as prolonged droughts and floods, resulting in loss of animals and feed resources. In order to fully benefit from livestock, the targeted interventions needed include adoption of feed preservation technologies, including hay and silage for use during lean periods, controlled planning and management of com- munal grazing areas, rehabilitation of degraded communal grazing areas, and range- lands as a way of improving pasture availability. Research and development priorities and emerging issues include conservation agriculture (CA), use of legume-based crop- ping systems, integrated nutrient management (INM), climate-resilient livestock and feed systems, value addition policies, and adoption of innovative technologies.
Predictor variables for soil organic carbon contents in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Tanzania
(International Scholars Journals, 2014-05-20) Shelukindo, Hassan Bashiru; Semu, Ernest; Msanya, B. M.; Singh, Bal Ram; Munishi, Pantaleo K.T
Few studies have established the variables which adequately predict SOC storage in the Miombo woodlands. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the variables which could predict SOC contents in dominant soils of the Miombo woodlands of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Thirty soil mini- pits located at different elevations across a topographical gradient were selected, geo-referenced, excavated and samples from the natural horizons were collected for physico-chemical analysis. A total of 85 samples were collected, each representing a natural soil horizon. The results indicated that total nitrogen (TN), (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.97) and TN in combination with calcium (Ca) (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.99) were important predictor variables of SOC contents. The combination of cation exchange capacity, Zinc, Copper, clay and iron together with TN and Ca predicted well the SOC contents (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.999). Considering time and cost implications for field and laboratory analysis in predicting SOC stocks, the combination of TN and Ca that predicted the SOC contents by 99% provided equally strong prediction when compared to the combination of all the variables. Thus, proper land management strategies which enhance conservation of TN and Ca in concert would provide adequate prediction of SOC contents in soils.
Soil organic carbon stocks in the dominant soils of the Miombo woodland ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Iringa, Tanzania
(International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 2014-03-06) Shelukindo, Hassan Bashiru; Semu, Ernest; Msanya, B. M.; Singh, Bal Ram; Munishi, Pantaleo K.T
Few studies have determined the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem in Tanzania. Standard field and laboratory procedures were used to evaluate SOC storage in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve Iringa, Tanzania. A study area of 52 km 2 was selected and ten soil profiles were studied. Representative sampling points were geo-referenced and soil samples collected from natural horizons to the depth of 60 cm. Results show that the total soil organic carbon stocks in soil profiles varied from 19.4 to 28.9 Mg C ha -1 in leptosols; from 45.6 to 80.1 Mg C ha -1 in fluvisols; and from 33.9 to 134.6 Mg C ha -1 in cambisols. The SOC increased significantly (p< 0.05) with increasing elevation, horizon thickness and % clay, but it decreased significantly (p< 0.05) with increasing slope gradient and increasing % sand. The areal distribution of the soil types was 61%, for cambisols, 19% for leptosols, 11% for fluvisols and 9% for natural forest which was not surveyed because of inaccessibility. Proper management of Miombo woodlands would increase the SOC storage and contribute to climate change regulation.