Suitability Assessment of Arable Ferralitic Soils for Maize and Cassava Production in Uganda

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Abstract In Uganda, crop yields continue to decline due to soil degradation. This has led to large scale and continuous conversions of natural habitats into land for crop growing to feed the increasing human and livestock populations. The suitability of available arable soils for crop growth is critical for conservation of natural habitats. The study was aimed at ascertaining the suitability of Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK) arable soils for Maize ( Zea mays L. ) and Cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) production. A total of 30 composite samples were collected from 6 blocks and taken to Makerere University School of Agricultural Sciences (Soil, Water and Plant analytical laboratory) where soil physical and chemical properties were determined. Results show that the soils were generally acidic, with pH of 5.1 to 5.8. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and Nitrogen (N) were medium, while available P (Phosphorus) and Calcium (Ca) were deficient in the soil. Potassium (K) was low to high in content. The soil texture was clay. The soils at MUARIK are Ferrallitic (Oxisols). Analysis of variance showed that available P and soil pH were significantly different between the study blocks (p < 0.05). The rest of the soil properties were not significantly different across the site. The MUARIK soil's modest suitability for producing maize and cassava was determined through comparisons to the agronomic growth requirements for those crops. This soil's limited availability of P and K for growing maize is a severe constraint and the clayey texture and low calcium levels of the soils are a constraint for cassava growing.

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