Impact of dolichos lablab and mucuna pruriens cover crops on soil fertility characteristics and maize yield in Karatu, Arusha region, Tanzania

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dc.contributor.authorBwakila, Antipas Patrick
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-31T16:15:09Z
dc.date.available2025-01-31T16:15:09Z
dc.date.issued2014
dc.descriptionA dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in management of natural resources for sustainable agriculture
dc.description.abstractThe present study was carried out in Karatu District, Arusha Region during 2006 - 2010 periods to investigate the effect of Mucuna and Lablab cover crops on soil fertility characteristics and maize crop yields. Three Divisions namely Mbulumbulu, Karatu,Rhotia and Endabash were selected for the study, each forming a replication. The experimental design consisted of five treatment combinations: Lablab cover crop alone, Mucuna cover crop alone, Maize alone, maize with Lablab and maize with Mucuna replicated three times in a RCBD. Treatments were randomly assigned to 5 treatment plots of each block and replicated in 3 blocks making a total of 15 treatment plots per study site and 45 in total. Soil samples for nutrient analysis for each plot were collected and analysed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic carbon (OC), pH and moisture content at the initial stage and at the different stages of maize crop development. The findings indicated that the soils of agriculture land in Karatu District were generally sandy to sandy loam with low fertility status. Also it was found out that, the physical and chemical soil characteristics of the farm land remained stable with little change during the experimental period. Maize yield data was recorded in all treatments immediately after harvesting. Cover crops significantly increased maize yields at all times of the 5 years period probably because of their leguminous nature which add N by the N-fixing characteristics. All the cover crops significantly increased soil nitrogen and other plant nutrients having Mucuna pruriens producing the highest results. The study, therefore, recommends the promotion and judicious use of cover crops, especially, Mucuna in the farming systems of Karatu District.
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/6515
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSokoine University of Agriculture
dc.subjectSoil fertility characteristics
dc.subjectMucuna pruriens cover crops
dc.subjectMaize yield
dc.subjectKaratu
dc.subjectArusha region
dc.subjectTanzania
dc.titleImpact of dolichos lablab and mucuna pruriens cover crops on soil fertility characteristics and maize yield in Karatu, Arusha region, Tanzania
dc.typeThesis

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