Abstract
A study on soil conservation measures was conducted in two villages, Tukuzi and Mahenge, in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania. The results showed that the ngoro farming system was effective in controlling soil erosion by water on both steep and gentle slopes. Sediments collected from ngoro had high concentrations of plant nutrients such as available phosphorus (P), total nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC) and exchangeable bases. This was probably due to nutrients released from decomposed grass bundles buried in the soil. In preventing soil erosion, ngoro and bench terraces were equally effective, while contour ditches were as effective as ridges or flat cultivation. On steep slopes, ngoro should be combined with contour ditches to effectively control soil and plant nutrient losses.
Recommended Citation
Thadei, S. (1999). Evaluation of Soil Conservation Measures: A Case Study in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET), 23(1), 43-48. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v23i1.288
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam
Included in
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons, Civil Engineering Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons