The role of soil conservation practices in improving soil fertility: A case study of Mbale village, Missenyi District, Tanzania
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Date
2012-04
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School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Abstract
The study looked on the relationship between soil conservation practices and soil fertility improvement in Mbale village. The objectives of the study were to identify the soil conservation practices which are being practiced in Mbale village, to assess their effectiveness in improving soil fertility and to identify the suitable soil conservation methods for managing soils in different terrains within Mbale village. It was carried out in all sub villages of Mbale village from December 2011 to March 2012. The study is expected to help the farmers of Mbale villages to conserve the soil and improve the soil fertility in their farmlands, it will also form the basis for other research related to soil conservation within and outside Missenyi district. Literature materials were sourced from different sources. The literatures include information pertaining different soil conservation practices, the effectiveness of soil conservation practices in improving soil fertility and various soil conservation practices for managing soils in different terrains. The study involved a total of 100 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive non random sampling were used to select the respondents. Questionnaires, interview guide, participatory observation and group discussions were used to collect data during the study. The study observed that mulching 28% (figure 1) is the mostly practiced soil conservation method in the village, other methods being practiced include mixed cropping, use of farm yard manure. Artificial fertilizers, composting, crop rotation, agro-forestry and contour farming. Use of farm yard manure 25% (figure 2) is the most effective method in improving soil fertility in the village. There are various methods for managing different terrains in the village. Hilly, gentle and steep slope areas are managed by contour farming, terracing, agro-forestry and afforestation, lowlands and plain areas managed by mulching, mixed cropping, afforestation and agro-forestry, rocky places are managed by planting of trees, grasses and shrubs while swampy areas are managed by channelization and tree planting. Generally, soil conservation practices have a great role in improving and maintaining soil fertility in Mbale village. Sustainable agriculture was recommended to be used by most farmers in the village as it will help them to conserve their soils and improve the soil fertility.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Bachelor of Science in environmental management of Kampala International University
Keywords
Soil conservation, Soil fertility, Missenyi District, Tanzania