SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF SOIL SCIENCE

DEGREE PROGRAMME: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRONOMY

(BSc.AGRONOMY)

RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT

STATUS OF MACRO AND MICRO NUTRIENTS IN SELECTED SOILS OF

MOSHI RURAL DISTRICT, KILIMANJARO TANZANIA: CASE STUDY OF

MBONI, KYOU AND MAKAMI CHINI VILLAGES.

BY

ISDORY DANIEL

AGR/D/11/T/0006
SUPERVISOR: Prof. METHOD KILASARA

SPECIAL PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

AGRONOMY OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, MOROGORO,

TANZANIA

2014
 ABSTRACT
A study of the content of macro and micronutrients in the soils of Moshi Rural District in
Kilimanjaro region was conducted at villages of Mboni, Kyou and Makami Chini village.
The objective of the research was to determine the levels of macro and micro nutrients in
selected soils of Moshi Rural District. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30 cm
and analyzed for total nitrogen, extractable phosphorus, exchangeable potassium,
calcium, magnesium, sulphate sulphur, DTPA extractable iron, copper, zinc and
manganese. The percent (%) nitrogen content in Mboni village ranged from 0.23 - 1.06
%, in Kyou village it ranged from 0.44 - 0.83 % and 0.34 - 0.51 % in Makami Chini
village. The level of extractable phosphorus ranged from 2.8 - 6.5 mg/kg in Mboni
village, ranged from 11.8 - 17.8 mg/kg in Kyou village and 2.9 - 7.3 mg/kg in Makami
Chini village. The content of exchangeable potassium ranged from 1.3 - 2.4 cmol (+)/kg in
Mboni village, 1.8 - 3.8 cmol (+)/kg in Kyou village and 1.9 - 2.3 cmol (+)/kg in Makami
Chini village. The exchangeable calcium ranged from 2.4 - 9.2 cmol (+)/kg in Mboni
village, 8.8 - 17.1 cmol (+)/kg in Kyou village and 1.9 - 9.5 cmol (+)/kg in Makami Chini
villge.The range of exchangeable magnesium in Mboni village was 0.8 - 1.9 cmol (+)/kg,
1.9 - 3.7 cmol (+)/kg in Kyou village and 0.6 - 2.2 cmol (+)/kg in Makami Chini village.
The exchangeable calcium and magnesium content were generally rated as high in the
soils of all studied villages except for exchangeable magnesium which was rated as
medium in Makami Chini village. The SO42-- S in mg/kg was also high in the soils of all
studied villages. The content of all studied micro nutrients in mg/kg were in a high
category in all soils of the studied villages where manganese ranged from 9.2 - 15.7
mg/kg at Mboni village, 1.6 - 19.1 mg/kg copper, 46.5 – 62 mg/kg iron and 1.3 - 6.1
mg/kg zinc. At Kyou village manganese was 17.9 - 48.4 mg/kg, 25.9 - 67.6 mg/kg
copper, 68.45 - 82.64 mg/kg iron and 14.69 - 35.2 mg/kg zinc. At Makami Chini village,
manganese ranged from 7.9 - 21.7 mg/kg, 4.6- 31.5 mg/kg copper, 52.9 - 74.9 mg/kg and
zinc ranged from 2.1- 19.1 mg/kg. Further studies should be conducted on the effects of
high micro nutrients, ways of reducing them and proper ways or methods to replenish and
prevent nutrients losses in the soil.

Key words: macro nutrients and micro nutrients.

i
 DECLARATION

I, Isdory, Daniel do hereby declare to the Senate of Sokoine University of Agriculture that
this special project is my own original work and has not been submitted for a degree
award to any other University.

.................................................................... ………………………
Isdory Daniel Date
(BSc Agronomy candidate)

Confirmed by
................................................................... ………………………
Prof. M. Kilasara Date
(Supervisor)

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I firstly thank and glorify the ALMIGHTY GOD who offered me a chance to undertake
my studies at Sokoine University of Agriculture and who has protected me from my child
hood to this age. Blessed and glorified be him.

My sincere thanks go to my research project supervisor Prof. Method Kilasara for his
love, guidance, kindness, assistance and directions he gave me throughout the execution
of this work. I also thank him for being my academic adviser during my stay at SUA, who
encouraged me and provided me with special counseling and assistance in both academic
and non academic matters. May God bless him and give him long life with his family. I
would like to thank the Higher Education Student Loan Board (HESLB) for partly
supporting financially this study.

Furthermore, I would like to express my appreciation to the department of Soil Science

technical staff, Crop Science technical staff and other departments and Soil Science
laboratory technicians who supported me academically during the three year stay at SUA
and during laboratory work of this project. I would like to express my thanks to my sister
Christina Myalle for her kindness and cooperation she gave me academically during my
stay at SUA. May God bless her much. Also, my thanks go to my fellow students in BSc.
Agronomy, BSc. Agriculture General and BSc. Horticulture for their cooperation during
the course work at SUA.

Lastly, I express very special thanks to my parents and family members for laying my
education foundation which has yielded this tangible part of their efforts through prayers,
financial assistance, advices and encouragements. May GOD bless them and give them
happy and long life.

iii
 COPYRIGHT.

No part of this special project report may be stored in any retrieval system, transmitted in
any form or by any means or reproduced without prior written permission of the author or
Sokoine University of Agriculture in that behalf.

iv
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Polkarpo Mbalamwezi.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................i

DECLARATION .......................................................................................................... ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................... iii

COPYRIGHT. .............................................................................................................. iv

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENT ................................................................................................ vi

LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... x

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................xi

LIST OF PLATES ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................ 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 1

1.1Background information .......................................................................................... 1

1.2 Problem statement and justification. ....................................................................... 2

1.3 Objectives: ............................................................................................................. 3

1.3.1 General objective: ............................................................................................ 3

1.3.2 Specific objectives: .......................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER TWO ........................................................................................................... 4

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................ 4

2.1 Meaning of Macro and micro soil nutrients: ........................................................... 4

2.1.1 Roles of micro and macro nutrients in plants: ................................................... 4

vi
 2.2. Decline in soil fertility and the critical levels of macro and micro nutrients in

soils. ............................................................................................................................ 5

2.2.1 Decline in soil fertility of volcanic soils in Kilimanjaro. ................................... 5

2.2.2General levels of macronutrients and micronutrients in soils. ............................ 5

2.3. Factors affecting the status of macro and micro nutrients in volcanic soils and

their replenishment. ...................................................................................................... 6

2.4. Ecological system of moshi rural district ............................................................... 7

2.4.1Physical features and climatic conditions. ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.4.2 Agro ecological zones: ..................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................... 8

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS ............................................................................. 8

3.1. Description of study area: ...................................................................................... 8

3.2 Materials used ........................................................................................................ 9

3.3Soil sampling and handling: .................................................................................. 10

3.4 Laboratory analytical methods: ............................................................................. 10

3.5 Data analysis: ....................................................................................................... 11

CHAPTER FOUR ....................................................................................................... 12

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ............................................................................. 12

4.1 Physical and chemical characteristics of soils in the studied villages: ....................... 12

4.1.1 Physical and chemical properties of soil in Mboni villageError! Bookmark not defined.

4.1.2 Physical and chemical properties of soil in Kyou villageError! Bookmark not defined.

4.1.3 Physical and chemical properties of soil in Makami Chini villageError! Bookmark not de

vii
4.2 The content of soil macro and micro nutrients measured in individual farmers,

fields. ......................................................................................................................... 13

4.3. Macro and micro nutrients in the respective studied villages ................................ 14

4.3.1. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Mboni village ................................. 14

4.3.1.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in Mboni village ....... 14

4.3.1.2 The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and Sulphur in

Mboni village ...................................................................................................... 15

4.3.1.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Mboni village ........................... 15

4.3.2. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Kyou village ................................... 15

4.3.2.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in Kyou village: ........ 16

4.3.2.2The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and sulphur in

Kyou village ....................................................................................................... 16

4.3.2.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Kyou village ............................. 16

4.3.3. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Makami Chini village ..................... 17

4.3.3.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in Makami Chini

village: ................................................................................................................ 17

4.3.3.2 The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and sulphur in

Makami Chini village .......................................................................................... 18

4.3.3.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Makami chini village ................ 18

4.4. General status of macro and micro nutrients in moshi rural district ...................... 18

4.4.1 General view of macro nutrients in the studied villages (comparison of

means between villages). ........................................................................................ 19

4.4.2 General view of micro nutrients in the studied villages (comparison of

means between villages). ........................................................................................ 20

4.5 Factors for observed levels of macro and micro nutrientsError! Bookmark not defined.
viii
 4.5.1 Levels of macro nutrients ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.5.2 Levels of micro nutrients................................................................................ 21

CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................... 22

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................... 22

REFERENCE .............................................................................................................. 24

ix
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Critical levels of micronutrients in mg/kg........... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 2: Agro ecological zones in Moshi Rural District. ................................................. 9
Table 3: Selected study villages in Moshi Rural District .................................................. 9
Table 4: Soil sampling locations in the villages. ............................................................ 31
Table 5: Important soil physiochemical data in the studied villages ................................ 12
Table 6: Content of macro nutrients in farmers, fields. .................................................. 31
Table 7: Content of micro nutrients in farmers, fields. ................................................... 32
Table 8: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of tested soil
samples of Mboni village. ................................................................................ 14
Table 9: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of tested soil
samples of Kyou village. .................................................................................. 15
Table 10: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of tested soil
samples of Makami Chini village. .................................................................... 17
Table 11: Means of macronutrients in the studied villages. ............................................ 19
Table 12: Means of micro nutrients in the studied villages ............................................. 20

x
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1; Kilimanjaro region map. Source: Moshi District Council, (2011) ............ Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Figure 2: A sketch map to show location of Moshi Rural District in Kilimanjaro region .. 8

xi
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1Background information

Over years, the lands of Moshi Rural District in Tanzania have been under agriculture and
livestock keeping activities. The report by Moshi District Council, (2011) showed that the
land under cultivation is 108,389 hectares which is 87.2% of the total arable land
(124,254). About 68,718 households are engaged fully in agriculture. Therefore,
agriculture is the major economic activity of the district. The livestock keeping is second
to agriculture in providing food and income to the people of Moshi district where zero
grazing is practiced in the high (1501 – 5895m altitude) and middle (901 – 1500m
altitude) zones where about 78,470 dairy cattle are kept under stall feeding as shown in
the report by Moshi District Council, (2011). Soil nutrient status has both effects in crop
production and livestock production. The importance of mineral elements in human,
animal and plant nutrition has been well recognized in literature as documented by
Underwood, (1971) and Darby, (1976).

This arises the need for determining the status of macro and micro nutrients in soils
because crops mine nutrients from the soil as indicated by Kumwenda et al., (1996), and
also NRC, (1978) shows that health of dairy cattle and other livestock highly depends on
amounts of minerals supplied to them through pastures and crop residues. The status of
nutrients in soils of the land on both high and mid latitude zones of Kilimanjaro can be
determined by chemical analysis, which involves measurement of the amount of a
particular element in a known weight of soil. Kim, (2009) revealed that, soil nutrient
testing is a management tool that can help accurately determine the available nutrient
status of soils and guide the efficient use of fertilizers. Furthermore, he argues that with
the increasing awareness of fertilizer effects on environmental and soil quality, soil tests
have been instrumental in determining where insufficient or excess nutrient levels occur.
Soil fertility depletion is seen as the most important process in the land degradation
equation and as the main biophysical limiting factor for rising per capital food production
in the majority of African small farms (Drechsel, 1999). The report by Mlingano
Agriculture Research Institute, (2006) indicates that land degradation in form of physical
1
loss of soil through erosion and decline in soil fertility through continuous cropping
without replenishment by mineral and organic manure are the major setbacks to
agricultural production in Tanzania.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND JUSTIFICATION.

Badiane and Delgado, (1995) and Rosegrant et al.,(1995) documented that the effects of
declining soil fertility on yield growth are particularly visible in Sub Saharan Africa
(SSA), where the most serious food security challenges exist. The report by Bationo et
al., (2006) and Kumwenda et al., (1996) showed that, the low level of chemical fertilizer
use, decline in soil organic matter, and insufficient attention to crop and soil nutrient
studies contribute mostly to the loss of soil fertility in the Sub Saharan Africa region. The
report by Semalulu, (2012) indicated that, runoff and soil erosion are major land
degradation processes in East Africa, contributing immensely to nutrient depletion,
declining agricultural productivity and income. Soils in most Sub-Saharan African
countries have inherent low fertility and do not receive adequate nutrient replenishment
(FAO, 2001).The report by Mlingano Agriculture Research Institute, (2006) indicates that
land degradation in form of physical loss of soil through erosion and decline in soil
fertility through continuous cropping without replenishment by mineral and organic
manure are the major setbacks to agricultural production in Tanzania.

Funakawa et al., (2012) showed that the volcanic soils of Tanzania are relatively fertile
due to high soil organic matter content and high levels of P and K status. However, Våje
et al., (2005) showed that, the soil fertility of volcanic soils in Kilimanjaro region is
declining due to continuous nutrient mining by coffee, banana crops and other crops,
inadequate manure application and low or no chemical fertilizer applications. Nutrients
leaching from the soil systems and soil erosion especially water erosion in the sloping
topography in Moshi Rural District also contributes to poor soil nutrient stock (Våje et
al., 2005).

Gruhn, (2000) argues that because agriculture is a soil-based industry that extracts
nutrients from the soil, effective and efficient approaches to slowing that removal and
returning nutrients to the soil will be required in order to maintain and increase crop

2
productivity and sustain agriculture for the long term. The status of macro and micro
nutrients in the soils of Moshi Rural District is currently not well known (Kilasara et al.,
2014). Current fertilizer recommendations do not take into account diversity in soil types,
farmer resources or yield goals (Snapp, 1998).

The most available research works on soil nutrients status ignore micronutrients and rely
more on macro nutrients. Studies have revealed that for the realization of the full
potentials of a soil, there is the need to take an inventory of not only the macronutrients,
but also the micronutrients (Adeboye, 2011).Also, soil nutrient status characterization
provides a foundation for understanding how to strategically apply fertilizer and organic
inputs, and it is a step towards revised soil management recommendations (Snapp, 1998).
Therefore, this research work involved determining the status of both macro and micro
nutrients in selected soils from Moshi Rural District in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania.

1.3 OBJECTIVES:
1.3.1 General objective:
 To determine the levels of macro and micro nutrients in selected soils of Moshi
Rural District.
1.3.2 Specific objectives:
 To carry out laboratory determination of macronutrients in selected soils from
Moshi Rural District.
 To assess the status of micro nutrients in selected soils from Moshi Rural district.

3
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Meaning of Macro and micro soil nutrients:
The macronutrients are those that are demanded in relatively high levels by plants while
micro nutrients are those demanded in low amounts by plant (Tucker, 1999). They are
categorized as primary and secondary macro nutrients as far as plant requirements is
concern. The Primary Macronutrients include; Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and
Potassium (K). The Secondary Macronutrients include; Sulfur (S), Calcium (Ca) and
Magnesium (Mg) (Tucker, 1999).

Micronutrients are those needed by plants in relatively small amounts. These are Chlorine
(Cl), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Molybdenum
(Mo) (Tucker, 1999). The origin and sources of micronutrients in soils are diverse
(Mustapha, 2011). Soil parent materials, farm yard manure, sewage sludge, town refuse,
and organic matter are major sources of micro nutrients (Nazif et al., 2006). Brady and
Weil, (2005) reported that Fe and Mn are common in silicate minerals such as biotite and
hornblende.

2.1.1 Roles of micro and macro nutrients in plants:

Soetan et al., (2010) summarizes that plants use macro nutrient minerals as structural
components in carbohydrates and proteins; organic molecules in metabolism, such as
magnesium in chlorophyll and phosphorus in ATP; enzyme activators like potassium, and
for maintaining osmotic balance is highly implicated in the maintenance of firmness of
fruits (Olaiya, 2006) and calcium requirements in fruits are related to cell wall stability
and membrane integrity (Belakbir et al., 1998). Most micronutrients are associated with
the enzymatic systems of plants. For instance, Zn is known to promote the formation of
growth hormones, starch and seed development, Fe is important in chlorophyll formation,
Cu in photosynthesis and Mn activates a number of important enzymes and is important
in photosynthesis and metabolism (FFTC, 2001).Micronutrients are chemical elements
necessary for plant growth in only extremely small amounts. Although required in minute

4
quantities however, micronutrients have the same agronomic importance as
macronutrients and play vital roles in the growth of plants (Nazifet et al., 2006).

2.2. Decline in soil fertility and the critical levels of macro and micro nutrients in
soils.
2.2.1 Decline in soil fertility of volcanic soils in Kilimanjaro.
Soil fertility decline has been defined by Hartemink, (2003) as the decline in soil
chemical fertility, or a decrease in the levels of soil organic C, pH, CEC and plant
nutrients. Soil fertility decline thus includes nutrient depletion (larger removal than
addition of nutrients), nutrient mining (large removal of nutrients and no inputs),
acidification (decline in pH and/or an increase in exchangeable Al) and the loss of organic
matter (Hartemink, 2003).

Våje et al., (2005) documents that soil erosion is one of the major causes of decline in soil
fertility in Kilimanjaro region where soil erosion lead to the loss of 4.1 g N kg_1 and 3.5 g
N kg_1 in 1995, and 1996 respectively, and the average amount of P lost in sediment was
5.1 kg ha_1 in 1995 and 12.6 kg ha_1 in 1996. According to Våje et al, (2000) the decline
in soil fertility of Kilimanjaro volcanic ash soils is also attributed to the leaching process
which contributes to a greater loss of Nitrogen.

2.2.2General levels of macronutrients and micronutrients in soils.

 Critical levels of micronutrients in soils:
Landon, (1991) and Thiagalingam, (2000) categorized zinc content as high when its
content in the soil is 5-15 mg/kg, 0.8-5 mg/kg as medium, 0.3-0.8 mg/kg as low and <0.3
mg/kg as very low. Iron in mg/kg is categorized by Landon (1991) as follows; >4.5,
>2.6-4.5, 2.5-4.5, <2.5 is high, medium, low and very low respectively. Copper is high
when the content is 5-15 mg/kg, and 0.3-5, 0.1-0.3 and <0.1mg/kg being categorized as
medium, low and very low respectively. Manganese categorization follows that 50-500,
2-50, 1-2 and <1.0 mg/kg is high, medium, low and very low respectively.

The study by Kamasho and Singh, (1982) showed that Zinc content in soils range
between 1.1 to 6.9 mg/kg for volcanic ash soils in southern Tanzania.

5
  Critical levels of macronutrients in soils:
According to Landon, (1991) the critical levels (%) of Nitrogen in the soils are rated as
follows; 1 as very high, greater than0.5 – %1 as high, 0.2 – 0.5% as medium, 0.1 – 0.2%
as low as and less than 0.1 as very low. The levels of Phosphorus (P) expressed in mg kg-
1 in soils were rated by Tisdale et al., (2003) for Bray 1 method the P less than 5, 6-12,
13-25 and greater than 25 mg/kg are rated as very low, low, medium and high
respectively.

Tisdale et al., (2003) gives the critical levels as expressed in (cmol(+) kg-1) of potassium in
soils of different types as follows;<0.13 and <0.05 are rated as very low in loamy and
sandy soils respectively, 0.13 – 0.25 and 0.05 – 0.10 are categorized as low in loamy and
sandy soils respectively;, 0.26 – 0.80 and 0.11 – 0.40 as medium in loamy and sandy soils
respectively; 0.81 – 1.35 and 0.41 – 0.70 as high in loamy and sandy soils respectively
and >1.35 and >0.70 are categorized as very high in loamy and sandy soils respectively.

The critical levels of calcium in (cmol(+) kg-1) by Tisdale et al., (2003) have been
categorized as follows; <0.50, 0.5-0.20, 2.10-4.0, 4.10-6.0 and > 6.0 are rated as very low,
low, medium, high and very high respectively in loamy soils. Also, the critical levels of
magnesium in (cmol(+) kg-1)by Tisdale et al., (2003) are categorized as follows; <0.25,
0.25-0.75, 0.75-2.0, 2.1-4.0 and >4.1 are rated as very low, low, medium, high and very
high respectively in loamy soils. The sulphate (SO4) level expressed in mg/kg in soils
have been categorized by Landon, (1991) that <3.0 is very low, 3.1 – 6.0 is low, 6.1 – 10
is moderate or medium and >10 is high.

2.3. Factors affecting the status of macro and micro nutrients in soils
Organic matter content in the soil is one of the factors affecting availability of nutrients
(Hodgson, 1963). Availability of micronutrients increases significantly with the increase
in organic matter because organic matter improves soil aeration and protects the oxidation
and precipitation of nutrients into unavailable form and supply soluble chelating agents
which increase the solubility of micronutrient contents (Hodgson, 1963). At high pH
levels, micronutrients are precipitated as insoluble form which reduces its availability
6
(Hodgson, 1963).High soil pH reduces Fe availability while acid soil increases Fe
availability. The high pH effect is increased in waterlogged compacted or other poorly
aerated soils. Nutrients such as Fe and Zn have limited availability when the soil pH is
above 7.5 (Hodgson, 1963). Manganese is most available below pH 5.5; Copper
availability is reduced at pH 7 and higher and is most available at levels below pH 5.

7
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Description of study area:
The study was conducted in Moshi Rural District which lies between longitude 37° to 38°
east and latitude 2° - 30’ – 50” south of the Equator, in Kilimanjaro region Tanzania
( Moshi District Council, 2008).The district is characterized by mountainous topography
on the northern part which forms the Kilimanjaro Mountain, while moving towards the
south are the lowland. Rainfall pattern is highly dependent on altitude. The district in
some years enjoy two rain seasons one being between October to December (also known
as vuli) while the long rain season is from March to June (Moshi District Council, 2011).

The Lowlands receive an average of 600 mm, the central part 1100 mm and the high
lands receive greater than or 1,600 mm per year (Moshi District Council, 2011; Kilasara
et al., 2014). The district has an average daily temperature of 26º C. The highest
temperatures occur in the months of February, March, April, September October and
November during which the mean maximum temperatures are around 31º while the mean
minimum temperatures are in June, July, December and January when the temperatures
go down to about 15ºC ( Moshi District Council, 2011). The selected villages have been
tabulated in table 3. Våje et al, (2005) reported that the soils in Kilimanjaro region are volcanic
in nature. The district is characterized by volcanic soils due to the presence of Kilimanjaro
Mountain which is volcanic in nature and therefore the geology is highly influenced by it.

Figure 1: A sketch map to show location of Moshi Rural District in Kilimanjaro

region

8
Source: Moshi District Council, (2011)
Agro ecological zones:
The district has 3 agro ecological zones as described in the Table 1 below (Moshi District
Council, 2008):
Table 1: Agro ecological zones in Moshi Rural District.
ZONE ALTITUDE ANNUAL MAJOR CROPS GROWN IN
(METERS) RAINFALL (mm) THE AREA

(i) Lower 700 - 900 400 - 800 Paddy, maize sugar cane by
Zone(Lowland) irrigation

(ii) Middle/Central 901 – 1500 900 – 1400 Maize, bananas, beans, dairy
Zone Cattle keeping

(iii) Upper Zone 1501 – 5895 1401 – 2000 Coffee, Bananas, maize,
(Highland) Avocados, beans, Natural
forest.

Source: Moshi District Council 2008

Table 2: Selected study villages in Moshi Rural District

S/N Village Ward

1. Mboni Mamba North

2. Kyou Kilema North

3. Makami Chini Kilema North

3.2 Materials used

Some basic materials used were as follows:
 Soil samples.
The soil samples to be sampled from each selected villages in table 3 in Moshi rural.
 GPS receiver.
This was used for recording the coordinates and altitude of soil sampling areas.
 Field note book and other data recording materials: was used for recording
necessary data during sample collection and during laboratory works.
 Polythene bags: was used for storing samples soils.
 Hoe and panga for soil sampling in the field.
9
3.3 Soil sampling and handling:
Three composite soil samples per village were taken at 0-30 cm depths from the three
selected representative villages in Moshi Rural District. The soil samples were taken from
farmers fields in the respective villages as shown on Appendix 1. Each soil sample was
properly labeled to contain important information such as name of the village, farmer
name, altitude and GPS coordinates and properly stored in polythene bags. The obtained
soil samples were then taken to the Soil laboratory of the Sokoine University of
Agriculture at the Department of Soil Science for analysis. The primary preparations of
soil samples in the laboratory were done where the soil samples were air dried in the soil
screen house and ground using porcelain pestle and mortar. The ground soil samples were
sieved with 2 mm sieve and the fine earth fractions were stored in respective bags for
further laboratory analysis.

3.4 Laboratory analytical methods:

Soil pH in water was measured with a glass electrode with a 1:2.5soil: solution ratio
according to Mclean, (1982). CEC and exchangeable bases were measured after
extracting with 1 mol L–1 NH4OAc at pH 7.0 according to Rhoades, (1982).
Exchangeable Mg and Ca in the extract were determined by atomic absorption
spectrophotometry (AAS) and flame photometer for was used to determine potassium
using the method developed by Rhoades, (1982).

The available Phosphorus was determined by Bray-I method as described by Van

Reeuwijk (1992).The soil texture was determined by the Bouyoucos Hydrometer method
according Bouyoucos, (1981). Total percent organic carbon was analyzed following the
method developed by Walkley and Black, (1934). Sulphate sulphur was determined turbid
metrically according to the method by Moberg, (2000). DTPA extractable Zinc, Copper, Iron
and Manganese by the method developed by Norvell and Lindsay (1987) and analyzed by
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

10
3.5 Data analysis:
The data obtained after laboratory work was analyzed through simple descriptive
statistics, including range and means (Harry and Steven, 1995). Computer GENSTAT
software was used for comparison of means to determine significant differences in the
levels of macro and micro nutrients among the studied villages. Computer Minitab
software was employed for correlation and regression analysis between related
parameters such as nitrogen and soil organic carbon. The critical levels of macro and
micro soil nutrients and other parameters were also used to specify the levels or
categories of obtained results.

11
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Physical and chemical characteristics of soils in the studied villages:
The soil pH (in water), soil percent organic carbon (% OC), cation exchange capacity
(cmol (+) kg-1) and soil texture were used to determine the physical and chemical
characteristics of soils in the studied villages and the results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Selected soil physiochemical data in the studied villages

PARAMETER VILLAGE RANGE AVERAGE

Soil pH Mboni 5.3-5.7 5.5

Kyou 6.1-6.7 6.3
Makami Chini 5.4-6.2 5.9
% Organic Mboni 2.496- 5.206
carbon (%OC) 9.848
Kyou 4.836- 5.837
7.41
Makami Chini 5.031- 5.486
6.045
CEC (cmol (+) k1) Mboni 18.2-43.8 30.6
Kyou 33.2-41.2 30.6
Makami Chini 1.92-9.53 5.853
Farmer Clay (%) Silt Sand (%) Textural class
ID (%)
MB1 36.68 25.64 37.68 Clay loam
MB2 8.68 19.64 71.68 Sandy loam
Soil texture MB3 34.68 23.64 41.68 Clay loam
KY1 24.68 13.64 61.68 Sandy Clay loam
(particle size KY2 16.68 11.64 71.68 Sandy loam
analysis) KY3 16.68 11.64 71.68 Sandy loam
MK1 14.68 17.64 67.68 Sandy loam
MK2 14.68 19.64 65.68 Sandy loam
MK3 16.68 15.64 67.68 Sandy loam

12
The soils of Mboni village were characterized as sandy loam to clay loam with soil pH
ranging from 5.3 to 5.7 and the average being 5.5 categorized as strongly acid according
to the soil pH categories by Tisdale et al., (2003). Similar results were obtained by
Majule, (2003) in Machame soils and also by Funakawa et al., (2012). The percent soil
organic carbon (%OC) in Mboni ranged from 2.496 to 9.848%, and the average was
5.206 categorized as medium according to Landon, (1991). Similar results were obtained
by Abebe and Kissi, (2012).The CEC (cation exchange capacity) ranged from 18.2
(cmol(+) kg-1) soil to 43.8 (cmol (+) kg-1) whereas the average was 30.6 Cmol(+) kg-
1
categorized as high according to Landon, (1991). Abebe and Kissi, (2012) obtained
similar results in nitisols.

The Kyou village soils were also characterized as sandy loam to sandy clay loam with soil
pH ranges being 6.1 to 6.7 and average soil pH of 6.3 categorized as slightly acid
according to the categories by Tisdale et al., (2003). This soil pH range is suitable for
field crops as according to Tisdale et al., (1993) and Landon (1991) who stated that most
nutrients for field crops are available at pH value of above 5.5.The average percent
organic carbon was 5.837% rated as medium according to Landon, (1991), whereas the
ranges were from 4.836 to 7.41%. The soil average CEC in Kyou village was 30.6
(cmol(+) kg-1) rated as high according to the ratings by Landon, (1991). Similar results
were found by Abebe and Kissi, (2012) in nitisols.

The soils of Makami Chini were categorized as sandy loam, medium acid soils with
organic carbon percent ranging between 5.031 to 9.53% and the average organic carbon
of 5.486% which was rated as medium according to Landon, (1991). The average CEC
was 5.853 (cmol (+) kg-1) categorized as low according to Landon, (1991). This was
contrary to the results by Abebe and Kissi, (2012) in nitisols.

4.2 The content of soil macro and micro nutrients measured in individual farmers,
fields.
The data on Appendix 2 and 3 shows the soil analysis results for macro and micro
nutrients in the farmers, fields respectively. The content of nutrients varied from farmer to
farmer such that in some fields the nutrients were in large content as compared to other
fields.
13
4.3. Macro and micro nutrients in the respective studied villages
4.3.1. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Mboni village
The levels of soil macro nutrients and micro nutrients in Mboni village are summarized in
Table 4 below.

Table 4: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of analyzed soil
samples of Mboni village.

PARAMETER RANGE AVERAGE

Total N (%) 0.23 - 1.06 0.511
P (mg/kg) 2.8 - 6.5 4.247
NUTRIENTS
MACRO

K+ (cmol (+) kg-1) 1.3 - 2.4 1.85

Ca2+ (cmol(+) kg-1) 2.3 - 9.2 5.34
Mg2+ (cmol(+) kg-1) 0.8 - 1.9 2.53
S (mg/kg) 22.4 - 58.2 44.99
Mn(mg/kg) 9.2 - 15.7 13.4
NUTRIENTS
MICRO

Cu(mg/kg) 1.6 - 19.1 9.7

Fe (mg/kg) 46.5 - 62 55.6
Zn (mg/kg) 1.3 - 6.1 3.1

4.3.1.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in Mboni village

The results in Table 4 shows that % nitrogen in Mboni village ranged from 0.23 to 1.06%
with its average level of 0.511% categorized as high according to Landon, (1991). Similar
results were found by Majule, (2003). The average extractable P in mg/kg was 4.2 rated
as very low according to the categories by Tisdale et al., (2003) and it ranged from 2.8 to
6.5 mg/kg. This observation is contrary to Funakawa et al, (2012) who obtained high
level of phosphorus content in Kilimanjaro. The soil exchangeable K ranged from 1.3 to
2.4 cmol(+) kg-1 whereas the average was 1.85 cmol(+) kg-1 and does not differ much from
the one reported by Funakawa et al., (2012) and was rated as high according to Tisdale et
al., (2003).

14
4.3.1.2 The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and Sulphur in Mboni
village
The ranges for exchangeable calcium in Mboni village was 2.4 to 9.2 cmol(+) kg-1 and its
average was 5.34 cmol(+) kg-1 categorized as high with respect to the categories by Tisdale
et al., (2003) and this value does not differ much by Funakawa et al., (2012). The
average exchangeable magnesium was 2.53 cmol(+) kg-1rated as high according to Tisdale
et al., (2003) and the range was from 0.76 to1.883 cmol(+) kg-1. The average sulphate
sulphur was 44.99 mg/kg rated as high according to Landon, (1991) and it ranged from
22.4 to 58.2 mg/kg in Mboni village.

4.3.1.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Mboni village

The content of all micro nutrients in the soils of Mboni village were generally rated as
high according to the ratings of soil micronutrients by Landon (1991). The manganese
content ranged from 9.2 to 15.7 mg/kg, whereas that of copper ranged from 1.6 to 19.1
mg/kg. The range values for iron were 46.5 to 62 mg/kg and that of zinc ranged from 1.3
to 6.1 mg/kg. These observations are contrary to Abebe and Kissi, (2012) who found low
micro nutrients content in nitisols.
4.3.2. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Kyou village
The results for levels of soil macro nutrients and micro nutrients in Kyou village are as
shown in Table 5 below.
Table 5: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of tested soil
samples of Kyou village.

PARAMETER RANGE AVERAGE

Total N (%) 0.44 - 0.83 0.576
MACRONUTRIENT

P (mg/kg) 11.8 - 17.8 14.21

+ -1
K (cmol(+) kg ) 1.8 - 3.8 2.47
S

Ca2+ (cmol(+) kg-1) 8.8 - 17.1 12.06

Mg2+ (cmol(+) kg-1) 1.9 - 3.7 2.657
S (mg/kg) 80.5 - 107.4 92.21
Mn(mg/kg) 17.9 - 48.4 29.32
NUTRIENTS
MICRO

Cu (mg/kg) 25.9 - 67.6 45.4

Fe (mg/kg) 68.45 - 82.64 74.04
Zn (mg/kg) 14.69 - 35.2 21.8

15
4.3.2.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in Kyou village:
Table 5 shows the ranges and averages of nutrients in soils of Kyou village. The percent
(%) total nitrogen in the soils of Kyou village ranged from 0.44 to 0.83% with average
percent (%) total N being 0.576% rated as high as per Landon, (1991) similar to the
results by Majule, (2003). The total soil extractable phosphorus expressed in mg/kg in
Kyou village ranged from 11.8 to 17.8 mg/kg and the average value was 14.21 mg/kg
which was categorized as medium according to Tisdale et al., (2003) and did not differ
much from the results by Majule, (2003). The ranges of Potassium expressed in cmol(+)
kg-1 soil was 1.8 to 3.8 and the average level of potassium was 2.47 cmol(+) kg-1 rated as
very high according to Tisdale et al., (2003) which did not differ from the results by
Funakawa et al., (2012).

4.3.2.2The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and sulphur in Kyou

village
The results in Table 5 shows that, extractable calcium expressed in cmol(+) kg-1 in Kyou
village ranged from 8.8 to 17.1cmol(+) kg-1 and the mean level was 12.06Cmol(+) kg-1. The
mean level of exchangeable calcium in Kyou village was rated as very high as per Tisdale
et al., (2003). The minimum level of soil exchangeable magnesium expressed in cmol(+)
kg-1 was 1.9 and the maximum level was 3.7, and 2.657 being the average level which
was categorized as high according to the critical levels rated by Tisdale et al., (2003).
Similar results for exchangeable bases were observed by Funakawa et al., (2012).The soil
sulphate (SO4) levels in Kyou village expressed in mg/kg soil ranged from 80.5 to107.4
mg/kg and the mean was 92.21 rated as high according to Landon, (1991).

4.3.2.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Kyou village

The results in Table 5 shows that, extractable manganese expressed in mg/kg ranged from
17.9 to 48.4 mg/kg as minimum and maximum respectively and the mean value was
29.32 mg/kg rated as high according to Landon, (1991). Also, the minimum level of
copper in mg/kg in Kyou village was 25.9mg/kg and the maximum value was 67.6 mg/kg
whereas the mean rated as high according to Landon, (1991) was 45.4mg/kg. The
extractable iron ranged from 68.5 mg/kg to 82.6 mg/kg where as the mean rated as high

16
according to Landon, (1991) was 74.04 mg/kg. The levels of zinc were 14.7 and 35.2
mg/kg as minimum and maximum levels respectively and the mean level of extractable
Fe was 74.04 mg/kg categorized as high as per Landon, (1991) and this was contrary to
Abebe and Kissi, (2012) who found low micro nutrients content in nitisols.

4.3.3. Content of macro and micro nutrients in Makami Chini village

Table 6 below shows the results for levels of soil macro nutrients and micro nutrients in
Makami Chini village.

Table 6: Range and average values of macro and micronutrients of tested soil
samples of Makami Chini village.
PARAMETER RANGE AVERAGE

Total N (%) 0.34 - 0.51 0.441

MACRO NUTRIENTS

P (mg/kg) 2.9 - 7.3 5.263

K+ (Cmol(+) kg-1) 1.9 - 2.3 2.17

Ca2+ (Cmol(+) kg-1) 1.9 - 9.5 5.853

Mg2+ (Cmol(+) kg-1) 0.56 - 2.2 1.433

S (mg/kg) 54.4 - 77.6 64.13

Mn (mg/kg) 7.9 - 21.7 13.69

NUTRIENTS

Cu (mg/kg) 4.6- 31.5 14.14

MICRO

Fe (mg/kg) 52.9 - 74.9 64.15

Zn (mg/kg) 2.1- 19.1 8.765

4.3.3.1The content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in Makami Chini village:

The content of percent nitrogen in soils of Makami Chini village ranged from 0.34 to
0.51% with an average content of 0.441% which was rated as medium according to
Landon, (1991). This was similar to the results by Majule, (2003). The extractable
phosphorus ranged from 2.9 to 7.3 mg/kg soil with an average content of 5.263 mg/kg
rated as very low according to Tisdale et al., (2003) which was contrary to Våje et al,

17
(2005). The exchangeable potassium ranged from 1.9 to 2.33 cmol(+) kg-1 soils having a
range of 2.17 cmol(+) kg-1which was rated as high according to the ratings by Tisdale et
al., (2003) which are the similar results by Funakawa et al., (2012).

4.3.3.2 The content of soil exchangeable calcium, magnesium and sulphur in

Makami Chini village
The content of exchangeable calcium in soils of Makami Chini village ranged from 1.9 to
9.53 cmol(+)kg-1 with the average content being 5.853 cmol (+) kg-1 which was rated as high
with respect to the ratings by Tisdale et al., (2003). The exchangeable magnesium
averaged to 1.433 cmol (+) kg-1 rated as medium according to Tisdale et al., (2003) and the
range was 0.6 to 2.2 cmol (+) kg-1. The content of exchangeable bases did not differ much
from the results obtained by Funakawa et al, (2012). The sulphate sulphur content ranged
from 54.4 to 77.6 mg/kg soil with an average content of 64.13 mg/kg rated as high as
according to Landon, (1991).

4.3.3.3 The content of studied micronutrients in Makami Chini village

Generally, the content of all studied soil micro nutrients from Makami Chini village were
rated as high with respect to the rating of soil micronutrients by Landon, (1991). The
content of manganese in this village was in a range from 7.884 to 21.7 mg/kg, while that
of copper was from 4.582 to 31.51 mg/kg. The range values of iron were from 52.9 to
74.9 mg/kg while Zinc ranged from 2.1 to19.1 mg/kg contrary to the results by Abebe and
Kissi, (2012) in nitisols.

4.4. General status of macro and micro nutrients in Moshi Rural District
The soil analysis results were tested to determine the statistical differences in means of
the levels of macro and micro nutrients in the studied villages so as to have a view of
general nutrient status in the studied area.

18
4.4.1 Macro nutrients in the studied villages (comparison of mean among villages).

Table 7: Means of macronutrients in the studied villages.

VILLAGE Total Extractable P K+ Ca2+ Mg2+ S

N (mg/kg) (mg/kg)
(cmol(+)kg-1)
(%)

MBONI 0.511a 4.25a 1.85a 5.34a 1.88a 44.99a

KYOU 0.576a 14.2b 2.47a 12.06 2.65a 92.21b
a

MAKAMI 0.441a 5.26a 2.17a 5.85a 1.433 64.13ab

CHINI a

LSD (5%) 0.52 2.53 1.31 10.37 2.148 39.58

F prob. 0.786 <.001 0.48 0.249 0.372 0.07

9
CV % 45.5 14.2 26.8 59 47.6 26

The mean values with the same letters within the same column are not significantly
different.

The means of total percent Nitrogen did not differ significantly between Mboni, Kyou
and Makami Chini villages as shown by LSD value at 5% level of confidence. The means
of extractable P expressed in mg/kg did not differ significantly at 5% confidence level for
Mboni and Makami Chini but the level of Phosphorus for Kyou village differed
significantly from the other two villages. The level of exchangeable bases (Potassium- K+,
Calcium-Ca2+ and Magnesium-Mg2+) expressed in cmol (+) kg-1did not differ significantly
at 5% confidence level for all studied villages. There was significant difference in the
means levels of extractable Sulphur (S) at 5% confidence interval between all studied
villages.

19
4.4.2 Micro nutrients in the studied villages (comparison of means among villages).

Table 8: Means of micro nutrients in the studied villages

Mn Cu Fe Zn
VILLAGE (mg/kg)
MBONI 13.47a 9.68a 55.55a 3.1a
KYOU 29.32a 45.4a 74.04a 21.8a
MAKAMI CHINI 13.69a 14.14a 64.15a 8.77a
LSD (5%) 17.77 41.25 23.09 22.35
F probability 0.11 0.136 0.2 0.171
CV % 41.6 78.9 15.8 87.8
The mean values with the same letters within the same column are not significantly
different.

The LSD values for micro nutrients at 5% confidence interval indicated that there were no
significant differences in the means levels of micro nutrients (Manganese-Mn, Copper-
Cu, Zinc- Zn and Iron-Fe) expressed in mg/kg between Mboni, Kyou and Makami Chini
villages as shown on Table 7.

The high levels of micro nutrients in the studied villages may be a cause for very low
content of extractable phosphorus in Makami Chini and Mboni villages and only medium
content in the studied villages. Mengel, (1978) showed that at high levels of soil micro
nutrients, phosphate ions combine with iron and manganese to form insoluble compounds
which are not readily available to plants. The low soil pH in the soils may also account
for low phosphorus content in the studied villages as per Landon, (1991).

Continuous nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium mining by crops both annual and
perennial crops especially coffee and banana in the studied area may also be a cause for
observed levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Furthermore, according to
Semalulu, (2012), runoff and soil erosion in the soils of Mboni, Kyou and Makami chini
villages may also be a cause for declining in the contents of these nutrients.

20
The observed high levels of exchangeable calcium, magnesium and sodium may be due to
the volcanic parent materials rich in these bases in Mboni, Kyou and Makami Chini
villages. Funakawa et al, (2012) and Våje et al., (2005) indicated that the volcanic soils
are rich in exchangeable bases due to the weathering of the parent volcanic rocks. The
geology of soils in the studied villages is highly influenced by the parent volcanic rocks in
the area.

4.5.2 Levels of micro nutrients.

The soil high levels of micro nutrients observed in all studied villages may be due to low
soil pH which is categorized as from strongly acid to medium acid. At low pH levels,
micronutrients are precipitated in insoluble forms which reduce their availability
(Hodgson, 1963). High soil pH reduces Fe availability while acid soil increases Fe
availability. Hodgson, (1963) showed that micronutrients such as Fe and Zn have high
availability when the soil pH is below 7.5. The same report by Hodgson, (1963) shows
that manganese is most available below pH 5.5 and copper availability is higher and most
available at levels below pH 5.

As reported by Truog, (1948), the soils which are strongly acidic to very slightly acidic
have toxic levels of copper, zinc and manganese. Therefore, the soils of all studied
villages have potential of having toxic levels of these micro nutrients.

21
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The soils of Mboni, Kyou and Makami Chini villages are generally low in phosphorus
content, and the nitrogen content range from high to medium. However, the content of
nitrogen is liable to decline with time due to continuous cropping, leaching and runoff
losses and through soil erosion loss.

The exchangeable bases are generally adequate for crop production in the studied villages
but it is recommended to update information on their availability regularly due to
continuous crop nutrients mining and effects of soil erosion and runoff on these nutrients
which may cause their deficiency to crops in future time. The soils of Mboni, Kyou and
Makami Chini have adequate levels of all studied micro nutrients (manganese, copper,
iron and zinc) and they are in the toxic ranges as discussed.

The available nutrients in the soils in Moshi Rural District are prone to losses as
discussed, therefore various methods are recommended to minimize nutrients losses and
improve nutrient status in the soils of Moshi Rural District. Prevention of soil erosion is
important in the studied villages so as to prevent or minimize losses of nutrients and
organic matter which are mostly found on the top soil.This can be achieved through
maintaining soil cover by applying dead mulches in farms like crop residues and living
mulches such as growing cowpea as cover crops in banana and coffee farms, construction
of terraces to reduce runoff, construction of contour bunds and ridges and reduced tillage.
These methods can easily be adapted by farmers in Moshi Rural District as they are
simple methods.

Another suggested method is replenishing the lost nutrients through addition of external
inputs such as organic and inorganic fertilizers, biological nitrogen fixation through
legumes, and recycling of plant residues. The farmers are encouraged to acquire
knowledge from extension staff on the proper ways of handling animal manure so as to
avoid losses of nutrients before being applied to their farms. Other organic fertilizers such
as green manures, farm wastes, liquid manure and compost (mixture of decomposed plant
and animal residues) are recommended for use as they have other advantages of
22
improving physical and chemical properties of soil. Also judicious use of inorganic
fertilizers supplements the natural soil nutrient supply. Some common fertilizers to be
used are DAP, TSP and UREA. However, more research is needed on proper fertilizer
recommendations for soils in Moshi Rural District to the respective crops such as banana,
coffee and maize. Further research in soil-plant nutrient studies is required in Moshi Rural
District so as to improve the soil fertility status and increase yield in both crop production
and dairy cattle production. Further studies should be carried out to remedy the possible
effects of micro nutrients toxicities and on the proper nutrients replenishment in the
studied area.

23
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 APPENDIX

Appendix 1: Soil sampling locations in the villages.

VILLAGE WARD FARMER FARMER COORDINATES ALTITUDE
NAME ID (m.a.s.l)
MBONI Mamba 1. Joseph MB1 S 03.262660 1695
0
North Yese E 037.54184
Mmbando
2.Elias MB2 S 03.245390 1336
Raphael E 037.542980
Mkenda
3.Leonard MB3 S 03.250260 1789
Alfa E 037.540020
Mmbando
KYOU Kilema 1. Barnabasi KY1 S 03.280280 1650
0
North Elias Mosha E 037.47516
2. Pamela KY2 S 03.289130 1570
0
Revocatus E 037.47900
Mmbando
3.Paschal KY3 S 03.286000 1594
0
Michael E 037.47733
Ndemnaki
MAKAMI Kilema 1.Honorati MK1 S 03.286000 1594
CHINI North Sakwari E 037.477330
2.Didasi MK2 S 03.282500 1608
0
Kirumu E 037.48042
Kessy
3.Sabas MK3 S 03.284790 1588
0
Mark E 037.48067
Mrema

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Appendix 2: Content of macro nutrients in farmers , fields.
Village Farmer Total N (%) P K+ Ca2+ Mg2+ S
ID (mg/kg) …… (cmol(+) /kg)…. (mg/kg)
Mboni MB 1 0.231 6.47 2.42 4.41 2.36 22.37
MB2 1.064 3.43 1.8 9.22 2.53 58.16
MB3 0.238 2.84 1.33 2.39 0.76 54.43
Kyou KY1 0.441 17.84 3.8 17.13 3.69 88.73
KY2 0.826 11.76 1.8 10.3 2.33 80.53
KY3 0.462 13.04 1.81 8.75 1.95 107.3
Makami MK1 0.511 7.26 2.28 6.11 1.54 77.55
Chini
MK2 0.476 2.94 1.9 1.92 0.56 54.43
MK3 0.336 5.59 2.33 9.53 2.2 60.4

Appendix 3: Content of micro nutrients in farmers, fields.

Village Farmer ID Mn Cu Fe Zn
(mg/kg)
Mboni MB 1 15.694 19.067 58.129 1.906
MB2 15.503 8.376 62 6.09
MB3 9.217 1.596 46.516 1.305
Kyou KY1 48.364 25.91 68.452 35.195
KY2 21.697 67.589 82.645 15.509
KY3 17.9 42.706 71.032 14.689
Makami Chini MK1 21.697 6.323 74.903 5.12
MK2 7.884 4.582 52.968 2.112
MK3 11.503 31.509 64.581 19.064

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