Fertility Status and Suitabilty Assessment of Soils for the Production of Maize at Solomon Mahlangu Campus Farm, Morogoro, Tanzania

The low soil fertility status of many soils in Morogoro area and non-use of fertilizers by small scale farmers contributes to the low yields of most annual crops, including maize. This study was carried out in 2014/2015 cropping season at the Mazimbu, part of SUA farm Morogoro, Tanzania, to evaluate the current fertility status and suitability of these soils for maize cropping on the farm. Four soil profiles designated as I, II, III and IV were dug to represent each of the soil units. Soils samples were collected from delineated horizons and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. Composite soil samples were also collected from each block (mapping unit) at the depth of 0 - 30cm and analyzed for different physico-chemical properties using standard laboratory procedures of soil, plant and water analysis advocated by [1]. Results obtained indicated that, the soils were loamy sand to silt loam in texture with a slightly acidic to mildly alkaline in reaction (pHwater = 5.96 - 7.27). As per the critical nutrients limit for maize production the mean values for organic carbon (0.29 %), total nitrogen (0.04%), available phosphorus (9.0 mg kg-1), cation exchange capacity (9.84 cmol.kg-1), base saturation (21.2%) and exchangeable bases (Ca=0.7, Mg=0.85, K=0.31 and Na=0.21 cmol.kg-1) were low in all four blocks of the study area. The mean EC value (0.03 ds/m) was below the critical limit indicating that the soils were naturally non-saline. The suitability of the soils to maize plant was assessed following conventional approach (FAO) and parametric method. The evaluation of the soils revealed that, all the soils of the four mapping units are moderately suitable (S2) for maize production. For increased and optimal maize production on the farm, it is recommended that, the best soils management practices such as planting cover crops, reducing overgrazing, burning and complementary use of organic and inorganic manure should be established.