Soil nutrient status, spatial variability of soil chemical properties and fertilization requirements in Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Manica provinces of Mozambique

TR Number

Date

2004

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Hawai'i

Abstract

In this study, soil samples at 0-15cm and 15-30cm were taken from 10 districts in northern and central Mozambique to determine existing potential for food productivity and geospatial fertility trends. Physical, mineralogical, chemical, and phosphorus sorption capacities were measured and compared. It was determined that poor soil fertility is the primary cause of poor soil productivity. Nearly all soils were deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, though they contained adequate amounts of potassium. Additionally, the author suggests that acid-tolerant crops may perform best in this region, as an average pH of 4.4 was measured.

Description

Keywords

Environmental impacts, Economic impacts, Soil fertility, Soil quality, Mozambique, Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Manica, Geostatistical analysis, Field Scale

Citation

MS thesis. Manoa, HI: University of Hawai'i