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Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Contents along a Gradient of Agricultural Intensity in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • John Livsey

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Edmond Alavaisha

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam 35097, Tanzania)

  • Madaka Tumbo

    (Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam 35097, Tanzania)

  • Steve W. Lyon

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • Antonio Canale

    (Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy)

  • Michele Cecotti

    (Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, 35121 Padua, Italy)

  • Regina Lindborg

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Stefano Manzoni

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
    Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

The preservation of soils which provide many important services to society is a pressing global issue. This is particularly the case in countries like Tanzania, which will experience rapid population growth over coming decades. The country is also currently experiencing rapid land-use change and increasing intensification of its agricultural systems to ensure sufficient food production. However, little is known regarding what the long term effects of this land use change will be, especially concerning soil quality. Therefore, we assessed the effect of irrigation and fertilization in agricultural systems, going from low intensity smallholder to high intensity commercial production, on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP) concentrations and stocks. Soil sampling was conducted within Kilombero Plantations Ltd. (KPL), a high intensity commercial farm located in Kilombero, Tanzania, and also on surrounding smallholder farms, capturing a gradient of agricultural intensity. We found that irrigation had a positive effect on SOC concentrations and stocks while fertilization had a negative effect. Rain-fed non-fertilized production had no effect on soil properties when compared to native vegetation. No difference was found in concentrations of TN or TP across the intensity gradient. However, TN stocks were significantly larger in the surface soils (0–30 cm) of the most intensive production system when compared to native vegetation and smallholder production.

Suggested Citation

  • John Livsey & Edmond Alavaisha & Madaka Tumbo & Steve W. Lyon & Antonio Canale & Michele Cecotti & Regina Lindborg & Stefano Manzoni, 2020. "Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Contents along a Gradient of Agricultural Intensity in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:9:y:2020:i:4:p:121-:d:347300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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