Physical, Chemical and Pedological Characterization of the Soils of Solomon Mahlangu Campus Farm, Sokoine University of Agriculture Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

A study was undertaken with a view to examine the morphological and physical properties and classifying the soils of part of the Solomon Mahlangu Campus farm, Sokoine University of Agriculture Tanzania, for improved agricultural productivity of the farm. Four soil profiles were excavated to represent the mapping units of the study area, examined and described. Samples were collected from the four pedons according to the pedogenic horizons identified, analyzed for both physical and chemical properties and characterized. The study reveals that, all the soils belong to two soil orders (Oxisols and Alfisols) in United State Development Agency (USDA) Soil Taxonomy or Acrisols in Food and Agricultural Organization FAO) / United nations educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) system of classification. At the suborder, the soils belong to Ustox and Ustalfs (Soil Taxonomy), while Ferric and Haplic in the level 2 category of FAO/UNESCO Classification [1]. Based on findings it was observed that, continual cropping without concurrent use of manure / inorganic fertilizer, over grazing and burning have contributed to low soils deficiencies and reduced soil fertility, leading to low crop yields in the farm. To increase the productive capacity of this farm, an integrated nutrient management system should be adopted which embraces a holistic approach of integrated use and management of organic and inorganic nutrient sources in a sustainable way.