EVALUATION OF FERTILITY STATUS OF SURFACE SOILS FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION AT SOLOMON MAHLANGU CAMPUS FARM, MOROGORO TANZANIA

U.K. Adamu; J.P. Mrema; J.J. Msaky

Volume : V, Issue : VI, June - 2015

EVALUATION OF FERTILITY STATUS OF SURFACE SOILS FOR MAIZE PRODUCTION AT SOLOMON MAHLANGU CAMPUS FARM, MOROGORO TANZANIA

U. K. Adamu, J. P. Mrema, J. J. Msaky

Abstract :

This study was carried out on the surface soils in 2014/2015 cropping season at the Mazimbu, Sokoine University of Agriculture farm Morogoro, Tanzania, to investigate the current fertility status of surface soil for arable cropping. Composite soil samples were collected from each block at the depth of 0 – 30cm and analyzed for physico–chemical properties. Results 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). Mean values for organic carbon, total Nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, Base saturation, exchangeable bases were low in four blocks of the study area. The study concludes that, the soils were rated low in surface soil fertility, therefore, requiring field management through application of organic residues, manures and chemical fertilizers for sustain arable crop production.