Soil Fertility Evaluation for Coffee (Coffea arabica) in Hai and Lushoto Districts, Northern Tanzania

Maro, Godsteven and Msanya, Balthazar and Mrema, Jerome (2014) Soil Fertility Evaluation for Coffee (Coffea arabica) in Hai and Lushoto Districts, Northern Tanzania. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 3 (8). pp. 934-947. ISSN 23207035

[thumbnail of Maro382013IJPSS8203.pdf] Text
Maro382013IJPSS8203.pdf - Published Version

Download (614kB)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the soil fertility status of selected coffee growing districts of Northern Tanzania and recommend immediate and long term soil management intervention strategies. The study was conducted in Hai and Lushoto Districts, between May and September, 2011. A total of 116 soil augerings and 10 soil profiles were described, and soil samples analyzed for the key fertility parameters. These were evaluated qualitatively by assigning scores against the requirements of Arabica coffee, and quantitatively by calculating the total soil-available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Spatial assessment of the total soil-available nutrients was done using ArcView GIS 3.2 and ArcGIS 9.3. Soil fertility was found to be considerably low in the study areas, much lower in Lushoto than in Hai. Limitations common to both districts are low P and micronutrients, while the additional ones specific for Lushoto are low cation exchange capacity and exchangeable K. Spatial interpretation revealed interesting trends, which could be explained from the topography of the area and/or the farming practices common in the area. The results are discussed in this paper, and recommendations on appropriate integrated soil fertility management strategies are put forward.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Science Global Plos > Agricultural and Food Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@science.globalplos.com
Date Deposited: 13 Jul 2023 04:47
Last Modified: 13 Jan 2024 04:36
URI: http://ebooks.manu2sent.com/id/eprint/1135

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item