Measuring Soil Quality Indicators under Different Climate-Smart Land Uses across East African Climate-Smart Villages

Abstract

The present study assessed soil physical-chemical characteristics as reliable soil health indicators in six climate-smart land use types; agroforestry, community forest, cropland with soil and water conservation (SWC), crop land without SWC, grassland and control across climate-smart villages (CSVs) in Lushoto (Tanzania), Hoima (Uganda), Wote and Nyando (Kenya). Soils were sampled at three depths; 0–15 cm, 15–45 cm and 45–100 cm and then analyzed for bulk density (BD), pH, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, Na), extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, exchangeable acidity (ExAc), Electrical conductivity (EC), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Land use types and sampling depths significantly affected soil properties (p < 0.05), High bulk density (BD) was measured at 45–100 cm depth in grassland (1.47 g/cm3) and crop land (1.50 g/cm3) in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively. BD in Ugandan grasslands was statistically lower (p < 0.05) than BD in other land use types at all depths. Soil pH of surface soil (0–15 cm) ranged from 6.67 ± 0.67 (agroforestry) to 6.27 ± 0.85 (grassland). Ex. bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, ExAc, EC, TC, TN and CEC were significantly affected by land uses (p ≤ 0.05). Soil properties were significantly correlated, a positive correlation between silt % (p < 0.01) and pH, sand and Ca (p < 0.05). EC and pH, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable bases, exchangeable K and C: N ratio was observed. There was a negative correlation (p < 0.05) between pH and clay. The study has shown that improving soil properties using land use systems leads to an increase in soil nutrients.

Impact of cover crop and mulching on soil physical properties and soil nutrients in a citrus orchard

“…Soil BD is a vital indicator of soil degradation because it influences soil porosity, plant nutrient availability, and soil microorganism activity ( Recha et al, 2022 ). According to Shaheb, Venkatesh & Shearer (2021) , soil conservation measures decreased soil compaction, resulting in increased root development and length.…”

Development of Environmental Pollution Handling Flipbook Based on Surabaya Local Wisdom to Train Students’ Ethno-conservation

“…To prove this, students carried out a simple practicum entitled "Analysis of Wonorejo Mangrove Soil Quality." Soil quality can be measured by observing inherent soil properties (e.g., soil texture) and dynamic soil properties (Recha et al, 2022). In this practicum, students analyze soil quality based on indicators of texture, color, moisture, pH, temperature, and organic content.…”

Determination of Physical-chemical Parameters in Bee Products: A Preliminary Investigation from Africa’s Most Renewed Bee Village in Tanzania

“…According to [3] about 70% of Tanzanian's population living in rural areas depend on agriculture for their livelihood. This view is further cemented by [8] stating that the main source of livelihood remains agriculture, including growing cereals, sorghum, beans, and cowpeas. In terms of quality, [1] postulates that honey harvested from Singida and Tabora had more capability of impeding microbial growth than that from the central area.…”

“…For example, [4] show that pesticide residues may originate from the treatment of bee hives with acaricides in the control of Varroa destructor. Similarly, the bees can get in touch with those pesticides during the foraging activities in an average radius of 3-6 km around the farms [6][7][8]. Notwithstanding the negative aspect associated with chemicals, [9] argued that honey is a valuable food not only for its nutritious value, but also for its physical, chemical, and biological capabilities.…”

“…This calls for studies that can assist in revealing challenges associated with continued ecosystem functions when landscape changes, particularly as these changes relate to water-soil resources within a developing agricultural sector Alavaisha [3] the study recommended further empirical studies that can examine the level of physical-chemical in honey products and their effect on consumers. The amount of chemical contamination in honey should be assessed to minimize the chances of honey products being contaminated [7,8]. Consumers have the right to safeguard their health, right information on the types and kinds of pesticides that have been used by farmers surrounding bees should be made available [3].…”