Suitability of Kabanyolo Soils for Fruit and Vegetable Production

Abstract

This paper presents results of soil analysis for samples extracted from Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo. The study was aimed at ascertaining the suitability of MUARIK soils for fruit (pineapple, passion fruit and watermelon) and vegetable (cabbage, eggplant, tomato and pumpkin) growth, yield and maturity. Soil morphological, physical and chemical properties were probed by excavating a 1.86 meter soil profile pit and sampling soils in 9 equidistant locations at MUARIK. The soil morphology and physical properties were described using the Munsel colour chart and USDA classification system while chemical parameters were determined in Makerere University Soil Laboratory following procedures described by Okalebo et al. [1]. Three pedon layers (RSK-H1, RSK-H3 and RSK-H5) had gradual boundaries while RSK-H4 was continuous. However, RSK-H2 and RSK-H6 had abrupt boundary layers. The texture of the profiles was clayey (52%). The soils were acidic with a pH of 6.08 (sub soil) to 6.12 (top soil). On comparison with standard requirements for target fruits and vegetables, the site was deficient in most of the minerals including P (8.88 -12.42 pmm), Ca (6.46 -7.92 pmm), K (0.06 -0.47 pmm), Mg (1.37 -1.70 pmm), Na (0.17 -0.23 pmm), N (0.18 -0.19 pmm), and soil organic matter (4.53% -4.81%). Sand and clay had the highest negative significant correlation (r = −0.94, p < 0.01) in the top soil. The highest positive significant correlation was observed between Ca and Mg both in the topsoil (r = 0.96, p < 0.01) and subsoil (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). MUARIK is suitable for growing cabbage and pumpkin. However, for improved growth, yields and maturity, the soils should be amended with manure (watermelon), lime (passion fruit and tomato) and sulphur (eggplant and pineapples).

Seasonal and Land Type Based Soil Chemical and Nutrient Status in Agricultural Lands of Coastal District, Bagerhat, Bangladesh

“…The lower level of P in the post-monsoon period might be due to the huge quantities drawn by vegetation from the topsoil layer during monsoon (Fungo et al, 2011). Again the reason for high phosphorus fixation may be due to the weathered with high content of aluminum oxides (Okiror, 2017). During pre-monsoon in medium highland, K range was low to very high for upland crops and medium to very high for wetland crops (0.17-0.68 meq/100g) and mean status (0.318±.21 meq/100g) was optimum for upland crops and high for wetland crops.…”

Assessment of Physical Suitability of Soils for Vegetable Production in the Libga Irrigation Scheme, Northern Region, Ghana Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Weighted Overlay Analysis

“…Over the years, several studies have assessed the suitability of soils in different land-use systems using different methods. Okiror et al (2017) assessed the suitability of Kabangolo soils for fruit and vegetable production by comparing the levels of soil properties in the fields to crop requirements. Gyekye et al (2020) assessed the soil and land suitability for sustainable rice production in the northern zone of Ghana using the traditional land capability rating developed by the FAO.…”

Physicochemical Properties and Plant Coverage of Wood-based Growing Media on Slopes

“…To achieve successful long-term plant cover of cut slopes, the soil must be studied and understood. In particular, moisture, organic matter, bulk density and CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), among physicochemical soil properties, reportedly affect each other (Raviv and Blom, 2001;Garcia-Gomez et al, 2002;Okiror et al, 2017). This means that it is important to understand the relationships between physicochemical properties to accurately characterize the soil.…”