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Sep 20, 2024Keywords:
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Variations of soil properties along slope positions in Nyabihu, Rubavu, Ngororero and Rutsiro Districts of Western Rwanda: A baseline soil study for regenerative agriculture
Abstract
This study aimed at characterizing soil properties and their variations along slope positions in Western Rwanda. It served as a baseline on regenerative agriculture practices introduced by Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) in the Districts of Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rubavu and Rutsiro. Soil samples were collected in a zig-zag pattern at 20 cm depth in triplicates at the top, middle and bottom of slope. Soil texture and chemical properties (pH, Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) were analyzed. Results demonstrated that soils of Western Rwanda are mostly fairly acidic (pH5.3 - 6.0) except those in the bottom slopes of Ngororero and Rutsiro which are very acidic (pH4.7 and pH5.2 respectively). The SOC is high in Nyabihu (12.5 – 13.7%), moderate in Rubavu (4.1 – 5.2%) and Rutsiro (4.9 – 5.6%) and low in Ngororero (2.3 – 2.6%) with non-significant differences between effects of slope positions. Total N (0.02 – 0.11%), available P (4.33 – 22.47 ppm) and exchangeable K+ (0.07 – 0.59 cmol (+) kg-1) levels are weak while exchangeable Ca2+ (5.00 – 12.33 cmol (+) kg-1) and Mg2+ (7.50 – 21.11 cmol (+) kg-1) are moderate to high. There are non-significant effects of slope positions observed. The soil texture is Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loam (52.67 – 70.67% sand, 10.67– 29.33% silt and 6.00 – 23.33% clay) which implies a good soil drainage leading to good soil health. The slope positions do not significantly influence soil properties in the study area. Many of the properties are weak and require improvement through regenerative agriculture practices.
