Pedological characterization and suitability assessment for cassava production in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts, Tanzania
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science Publishing Group
Abstract
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.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Pedological characterization, Soil characterization, Suitability assessment, Soil fertility management, Physical and chemical properties, Cassava production
Citation
Mgeta Steven Merumba, Balthazar Michael Msanya, Ernest Semu, Johnson Mashambo Semoka. Pedological Characterization and Suitability Assessment for Cassava Production in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo Districts, Tanzania. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. Vol. 8, No. 4, 2020, pp. 144-166. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20200804.18