Kafula Chisanga1,2, Ernest R Mbega1,2, Patrick A Ndakidemi1,2. 1. Department of Sustainable Agriculture, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology,P.O. Box 447, Arusha 23311, Tanzania. 2. Centre for Research, Agriculture Advancement, Teaching Excellence and Sustainability (CREATES) in Foodand Nutrition Security, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447,Arusha 23311, Tanzania.
Abstract
Termite mound soils are reportedly utilized as an alternative to NPK fertilizers by cashconstrained smallholder farmers in some parts of Southern Africa. However, there is limitedknowledge regarding their mineral nutritional value. The intention of this work was therefore toinvestigate the macro and micronutrient composition of different sections of the termite mounds;top, base and neighboring areas. The study approach involved physical and chemical analysis of 36sites across Pemba and Choma districts in Southern Zambia through collection of soil samples intriplicate at 0-20 cm depth, using a soil auger. Findings revealed that the soil pH had elevatedlevels in the base segments of the termite mounds compared with the top and the neighbouringsoils. However, elevated N, P and K levels were recorded in the top sections with significantdifferences (P < 0.05) in clay and silt composition observed. Additionally, metallic micronutrients,Cu and Zn were also found to be elevated in termite mounds in contrast to surrounding soils. Weconcluded that top termite mound soil should be considered as part of an integrated nutrientmanagement strategy by financially challenged smallholder farmers cultivating in light texturedsoils of southern Africa.
Termite mound soils are reportedly utilized as an alternative to n class="Chemical">NPK n class="Chemical">fertilizers by cashconstrained smallholder farmers in some parts of Southern Africa. However, there is limitedknowledge regarding their mineral nutritional value. The intention of this work was therefore toinvestigate the macro and micronutrient composition of different sections of the termite mounds;top, base and neighboring areas. The study approach involved physical and chemical analysis of 36sites across Pemba and Choma districts in Southern Zambia through collection of soil samples intriplicate at 0-20 cm depth, using a soil auger. Findings revealed that the soil pH had elevatedlevels in the base segments of the termite mounds compared with the top and the neighbouringsoils. However, elevated N, P and K levels were recorded in the top sections with significantdifferences (P < 0.05) in clay and silt composition observed. Additionally, metallic micronutrients,Cu and Zn were also found to be elevated in termite mounds in contrast to surrounding soils. Weconcluded that top termite mound soil should be considered as part of an integrated nutrientmanagement strategy by financially challenged smallholder farmers cultivating in light texturedsoils of southern Africa.
Entities:
Keywords:
soil conditioner; soil fertility; soil nutrient bioavailability; soil pH; soil physical and chemical properties