Morphology, Genesis, Physico-chemical Properties, Classification and Potential of Soils Derived from Volcanic Parent Materials in Selected Districts of Mbeya Region, Tanzania
Journal Title: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science - Year 2016, Vol 10, Issue 4
Abstract
This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Six typical pedons (MWK 01, IFIG 02, MKY 03, MWZ 04, KYE 01 and NDE 01), were identified, described and 33 soil samples analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Results indicate that all pedons were very deep, with textures ranging between fine and coarse. Soil moisture retention ranged between low and medium (78 - 101 mm/m). Some pedons had volcanic ash layers of varying thicknesses and buried 2BC, 2Bwb or 3Bwb horizons, typical of recent volcanic soils. Topsoils had low bulk and particle densities ranging between 0.70 to 1.26 g cm-3 and 1.95 to 2.55 g cm-3, respectively. Organic carbon (OC) content ranged from medium to very high (1.29 to 5.58%). The studied pedons had extremely acidic to very slightly acidic pH ranging from 4.02 to 6.58. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from medium to very high (16.8 - 41 cmol(+) kg-1 soil for topsoils and 21 - 42.6 cmol(+) kg-1 for subsoils). All studied pedons had pHNaF > 9.5, reflecting an exchange complex dominated by amorphous Fe and Al oxides and/or humus complexes. Phosphate retention capacity (PRC) ranged from 25 to 97% and one pedon (MWZ 04) met the andic properties requirement of PRC ≥ 85%. SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 ranged from 46.5 to 62.1%, 26.3 to 38.4% and 4.0 to 9.8%, respectively. On the basis of computed Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), the degree of weathering of the studied pedons followed the trend NDE 01>MKY 03>MKW 01>KYE 01>IFIG 02>MWZ 04. According to USDA Soil Taxonomy, the studied pedons were classified as Alfisols (pedons MKW 01, MKY 03 and NDE 01), Inceptisol (pedon IFIG 02), Andisol (pedon MWZ 04) and Entisol (Pedon KYE 01), respectively correlating to Alisols, Cambisol, Andosol and Umbrisol of WRB for Soil Resources. The studied soils were generally rated as having low to medium fertility.
Authors and Affiliations
Balthazar M. Msanya, Juvenal A. Munishi, Nyambilila Amuri, Ernest Semu, Lydia Mhoro, Zacharia Malley
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351541
- DOI 10.9734/IJPSS/2016/24855
- Views 114
- Downloads 0
Physio-biochemical Responses of Wheat Genotypes under Drought Stress
Tolerance strategies under water deficit conditions involve many physiological and biochemical responses which help crops to cope with drought stress. To study wheat response to stress, twenty Iranian wheat genotypes wer...
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Foliar Application of NPK and Different Mediums on Melia azedarach L. Growth
An experiment was conducted to study the effects of NPK foliar application and three different Mediums including (Sand, Compost and Peat moss) on the growth of pre-sowing Melia azedarach L. seeds. NPK application (20-20-...
Pedological Characterization and Soil Classification of Selected Soil Units of Morogoro District, Tanzania
The study aimed at provision of research information by pedological characterization of soil units of Morogoro District, Tanzania. Three soil units were selected coupled with field reconnaissance survey. Soil pedons were...
Effect of Inorganic and Organic Fertilisers on Yield and Soil Nutrient Status of Walnut Orchard
The present study was aimed to determine the effect of integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilisers on nut yield and soil nutrient status of walnut orchard under temperate region of India (Kashmir) during...
Assessment of Soil Quality of Some Lands in Thanjavur and Tiruvarur Districts for Improved Cultivation of Rice and Sugarcane
Soil quality is defined as the soil’s capacity to function within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries and to sustain plant productivity while reducing soil degradation. It can be assessed by selecting different indic...