Lydia Mhoro - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Lydia Mhoro
Frontiers in agronomy, Feb 16, 2024
Report 2017Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass of genus Saccharum. Plant remnants and DNA evidenc... more Report 2017Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass of genus Saccharum. Plant remnants and DNA evidence suggest that sugar cane evolved in South East Asia (Horton et al., 2015), and it was domesticated in Papua New Guinea around 8000 BC (Hartemink and Kuniata 1996). Over the years, the crop has been distributed in other parts of the world including India, China, Europe, Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, South America, North America and Africa by seafarers, traders, crusaders, colonialists and missionaries (Fischer et al., 2008).Sugar cane performs well in tropical and subtropical climates. The most common cultivated species are S. officinarum L., S. barberi, S. sinense and S. edule. Morphologically, the plant is tall, erecting up to 5 or 6 m with multiple stems, normally branching at the base to make tillers. It is composed of four parts: roots, stalk, leaves and efflorescence (DSD, 2013)
ABSTRACT This study is assessing soil fertility status in Mbeya region of Tanzania in terms of ad... more ABSTRACT This study is assessing soil fertility status in Mbeya region of Tanzania in terms of adequacy for crop growth and crop nutrient status in terms of human nutrition. It will examine levels of macro and micronutrient. The study has just been initiated and will run for two years.
International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 2015
International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research Vol.3 (11), pp. 402-411, November 2015
International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 2017
This study was conducted to characterize dominant soil type at Dakawa Irrigation Scheme (DIS), Ta... more This study was conducted to characterize dominant soil type at Dakawa Irrigation Scheme (DIS), Tanzania. Typical soil at DIS was identified, excavated and described using FAO (2006) Guidelines. Six disturbed samples were taken from soil profile horizons together with three undisturbed core samples for laboratory analysis. The pedon developed from Neogene alluvial parent materials under ustic moisture and isohyperthermic temperature regimes. The pedon was very deep (> 150 cm), moderately well drained, with gray to very dark gray soil colours. CaCO 3 concretions characteristic of calcic horizon were observed in subsoil. Soil texture was sandy clay loam throughout the pedon. pH was rated as medium (5.5-7.0) to very high (7.0-8.5) respectively for topsoil and subsoil. OC and N levels were very low; CEC and exchangeable bases were low to medium. Bulk densities were high (1.8 gcm-3) to very high (>1.9 gcm-3) for topsoil and subsoil, respectively. Study on moisture retention properties showed that subsurface (95-100 cm) and intermediate (45-50 cm) horizons retained more water than surface (0-5 cm) soil, congruent with increasing clay content with depth. According to Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base for Soil Resources, pedon at DIS classified as Vertic Calciustepts and Haplic Vertic Cambisols, respectively. These taxa reflect properties that may guide use and management of soils at DIS including selection of crops and fertilizers and rates to use. Organic fertilizers were recommended to increase organic matter content in soil. Use of acidifying inorganic fertilizers and gypsum as soil amendments should also be taken onboard to correct emerging sodicity.
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment, 2017
Collective efforts to fight mineral nutrient malnutrition in humans require consideration of soil... more Collective efforts to fight mineral nutrient malnutrition in humans require consideration of soil fertility management practices (SFMP) in vegetable production. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between SFMP and vegetable nutrient concentration for human health in farming systems of Tanzania. Soil and vegetable samples collected from vegetable growing areas in Kilombero and Dodoma were analyzed for chemical properties and mineral nutrient concentration. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were employed. The results showed that soil pH in Kilombero ranged from 6.04 to 6.8 and in Dodoma ranged from 6.23 to 8.58. The organic C was low, ranged from 0.10% to 1.87%. All soils studied had sufficient Zn (0.45 to 29.3 mg/kg), Cu (0.71 to 3.23 mg/kg), Fe (3.70 to 171.7 mg/kg) and Mn (2.84 to 41.38 mg/kg). Zinc concentration in all vegetables ranged from 12.57 to 134.54 mg/kg, 14% of vegetables had low Zn (<20 mg/kg) for human health. The Cu concentration in vegetables ranged from 0.07 to 52.37 mg/kg, and vegetables from Kilombero had very low Cu (<0.10 mg/kg) for plant and human nutrition. Vegetable Fe and Mn concentration ranged from 152.95 to 1780 mg/kg and 35.10 to 321.82 mg/kg, respectively. The SFMP used did not affect mineral micronutrients concentration in vegetables, but affected soil Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations. Soil pH, Zn, and CEC correlated with vegetable Cu, K, Mg, Zn, P and Fe concentrations, and differed among soils. Therefore, soil properties differed with SFMP, and both determined mineral concentrations in vegetables for human health.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2016
This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of s... more This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Six typical pedons (MWK 01, IFIG 02, MKY 03, MWZ 04, KYE 01 and NDE 01), were identified, described and 33 soil samples analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Results indicate that all pedons were very deep, with textures ranging between fine and coarse. Soil moisture retention ranged between low and medium (78-101 mm/m). Some pedons had volcanic ash layers of varying thicknesses and buried 2BC, 2Bwb or 3Bwb horizons, typical of recent volcanic soils. Topsoils had low bulk and particle densities ranging between 0.70 to 1.26 g cm-3 and 1.95 to 2.55 g cm-3 , respectively.
Frontiers in Soil Science
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased th... more The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow ...
Frontiers in Soil Science
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased th... more The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow ...
Frontiers in agronomy, Feb 16, 2024
Report 2017Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass of genus Saccharum. Plant remnants and DNA evidenc... more Report 2017Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass of genus Saccharum. Plant remnants and DNA evidence suggest that sugar cane evolved in South East Asia (Horton et al., 2015), and it was domesticated in Papua New Guinea around 8000 BC (Hartemink and Kuniata 1996). Over the years, the crop has been distributed in other parts of the world including India, China, Europe, Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, South America, North America and Africa by seafarers, traders, crusaders, colonialists and missionaries (Fischer et al., 2008).Sugar cane performs well in tropical and subtropical climates. The most common cultivated species are S. officinarum L., S. barberi, S. sinense and S. edule. Morphologically, the plant is tall, erecting up to 5 or 6 m with multiple stems, normally branching at the base to make tillers. It is composed of four parts: roots, stalk, leaves and efflorescence (DSD, 2013)
ABSTRACT This study is assessing soil fertility status in Mbeya region of Tanzania in terms of ad... more ABSTRACT This study is assessing soil fertility status in Mbeya region of Tanzania in terms of adequacy for crop growth and crop nutrient status in terms of human nutrition. It will examine levels of macro and micronutrient. The study has just been initiated and will run for two years.
International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 2015
International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research Vol.3 (11), pp. 402-411, November 2015
International Journal of Current Research in Biosciences and Plant Biology, 2017
This study was conducted to characterize dominant soil type at Dakawa Irrigation Scheme (DIS), Ta... more This study was conducted to characterize dominant soil type at Dakawa Irrigation Scheme (DIS), Tanzania. Typical soil at DIS was identified, excavated and described using FAO (2006) Guidelines. Six disturbed samples were taken from soil profile horizons together with three undisturbed core samples for laboratory analysis. The pedon developed from Neogene alluvial parent materials under ustic moisture and isohyperthermic temperature regimes. The pedon was very deep (> 150 cm), moderately well drained, with gray to very dark gray soil colours. CaCO 3 concretions characteristic of calcic horizon were observed in subsoil. Soil texture was sandy clay loam throughout the pedon. pH was rated as medium (5.5-7.0) to very high (7.0-8.5) respectively for topsoil and subsoil. OC and N levels were very low; CEC and exchangeable bases were low to medium. Bulk densities were high (1.8 gcm-3) to very high (>1.9 gcm-3) for topsoil and subsoil, respectively. Study on moisture retention properties showed that subsurface (95-100 cm) and intermediate (45-50 cm) horizons retained more water than surface (0-5 cm) soil, congruent with increasing clay content with depth. According to Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base for Soil Resources, pedon at DIS classified as Vertic Calciustepts and Haplic Vertic Cambisols, respectively. These taxa reflect properties that may guide use and management of soils at DIS including selection of crops and fertilizers and rates to use. Organic fertilizers were recommended to increase organic matter content in soil. Use of acidifying inorganic fertilizers and gypsum as soil amendments should also be taken onboard to correct emerging sodicity.
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment, 2017
Collective efforts to fight mineral nutrient malnutrition in humans require consideration of soil... more Collective efforts to fight mineral nutrient malnutrition in humans require consideration of soil fertility management practices (SFMP) in vegetable production. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between SFMP and vegetable nutrient concentration for human health in farming systems of Tanzania. Soil and vegetable samples collected from vegetable growing areas in Kilombero and Dodoma were analyzed for chemical properties and mineral nutrient concentration. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were employed. The results showed that soil pH in Kilombero ranged from 6.04 to 6.8 and in Dodoma ranged from 6.23 to 8.58. The organic C was low, ranged from 0.10% to 1.87%. All soils studied had sufficient Zn (0.45 to 29.3 mg/kg), Cu (0.71 to 3.23 mg/kg), Fe (3.70 to 171.7 mg/kg) and Mn (2.84 to 41.38 mg/kg). Zinc concentration in all vegetables ranged from 12.57 to 134.54 mg/kg, 14% of vegetables had low Zn (<20 mg/kg) for human health. The Cu concentration in vegetables ranged from 0.07 to 52.37 mg/kg, and vegetables from Kilombero had very low Cu (<0.10 mg/kg) for plant and human nutrition. Vegetable Fe and Mn concentration ranged from 152.95 to 1780 mg/kg and 35.10 to 321.82 mg/kg, respectively. The SFMP used did not affect mineral micronutrients concentration in vegetables, but affected soil Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations. Soil pH, Zn, and CEC correlated with vegetable Cu, K, Mg, Zn, P and Fe concentrations, and differed among soils. Therefore, soil properties differed with SFMP, and both determined mineral concentrations in vegetables for human health.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2016
This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of s... more This study clarifies the morphology, genesis, physico-chemical properties and classification of soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Six typical pedons (MWK 01, IFIG 02, MKY 03, MWZ 04, KYE 01 and NDE 01), were identified, described and 33 soil samples analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Results indicate that all pedons were very deep, with textures ranging between fine and coarse. Soil moisture retention ranged between low and medium (78-101 mm/m). Some pedons had volcanic ash layers of varying thicknesses and buried 2BC, 2Bwb or 3Bwb horizons, typical of recent volcanic soils. Topsoils had low bulk and particle densities ranging between 0.70 to 1.26 g cm-3 and 1.95 to 2.55 g cm-3 , respectively.
Frontiers in Soil Science
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased th... more The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow ...
Frontiers in Soil Science
The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased th... more The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow ...