Mid- and near-infrared spectroscopic assessment of soil compositional parameters and structural indices in two Ferralsols

Landscape-scale variability of soil health indicators: effects of cultivation on soil organic carbon in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

“…Differences in geomorphology and surface water features result in two major types of valley bottom soils across the study site: Mollic Gleyic Fluvisols and Fluvic Gleysols (Massawe 2011). Major crops in the study area include maize, beans, potatoes, cassava, vegetables (such as tomatoes, cabbages, peppers), coffee and temperate fruits (such as avocados and peaches), which are grown for both home consumption and as cash crops (Lyamchai et al 2011). Despite the high diversity of crop production, food insecurity remains high (Kristjanson et al 2012).…”

“…In the study area, trees have been promoted as part of efforts to restore degraded areas, both through reforestation and agroforestry (Lyamchai et al 2011). Exotic timber species such as Grevillia robusta and various fruit tree species (including Perse spp.…”

“…Juniperus procera, Cupressus Lusstanica, Pinus petula and Pinus radiate; Van Olmen 2008;Masunga 2009) and patches of natural rainforest. Over-cultivation, soil erosion and low soil fertility (Lundgren 1980;Tenge et al 2005Tenge et al , 2007Ndakidemi and Semoka 2006;Wickama et al 2014) coupled with decreasing farm size, low crop productivity, and erratic weather patterns (Msita et al 2010;Lyamchai et al 2011;Msita 2013;Kimaro et al 2014) are all major challenges facing smallholder farmers in the region. In order to address the complexity of the challenges facing natural resource management in both the agricultural and livestock sectors, studies and research at local and national scales need to better assess and develop ''best-bet'' spatially explicit options for sustainable agricultural growth.…”

Vis/Near- and Mid- Infrared Spectroscopy for Predicting Soil N and C at a Farm Scale

“…sandy loam (field #D), clay loam (field #B) and clay (fields #C and #E), with high and low TC content. The shift in overall baseline in the Vis-NIR spectra is likely caused by the overall difference in the particle size distribution (Madari, et al, 2006). The clay soil has a finer texture compared to the others, which results in a higher baseline.…”

“…This is probably due to particle size effect. The Vis-NIR spectra are characteristic of absorption bands associated with colour (400-760 nm), the bending (1413 nm) and stretching (1916 nm) of the O-H bonds of free water and lattice minerals at around 2210 nm (Madari, et al, 2006). Fig.…”