Effectiveness of soil conservation measures in two contrasting landscape units of South Eastern Tanzania

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

KABANZA, A.K.

Naliendele Agricultural Research Inst., Mtwara, Tanzanie, Republique-Unie de

DONDEYNE, S.

Dep. of Earth and Environmental Science, K.U., Leuven, Belgique

KIMARO, D.N.

Dept. of Agriculture Engineering, Sokoine Univ. of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzanie, Republique-Unie de

KAFIRITI, E.

Naliendele Agricultural Research Inst., Mtwara, Tanzanie, Republique-Unie de

POESEN, J.

Dep. of Earth and Environmental Science, K.U., Leuven, Belgique

DECKERS, J.A.

Dep. of Earth and Environmental Science, K.U., Leuven, Belgique

Description :
The AA. derived RUSLE (revised universal soil loss equation) factors for several soil conservation measures based on 3 seasons of field plot measurements (2008-2010), in 2 contrasting landscape units of South Eastern Tanzania. This study points to the importance of understanding differences between soil types and landscape units when assessing potential soil erosion. On the Makonde plateau, rainfall erosivity was higher than on the inland plains. The differences between the C factor for maize, and for maize with crop residues, as well as the differences between the P factors for lemon grass strips and ridges and furrows indicate that although soils of the Makonde plateau are more susceptible to soil erosion, these soils are also more responsive to soil conservation measures compared to soils of the inland plains. Farmers' local technique of making ridges and furrows is particularly effective. Deforestation for agriculture hence bears the risk of increasing soil erosion rates; however, this risk can be minimised by growing cashew trees.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, issn : 0372-8854, 2013, vol. 57, n°. 3, p. 269-288, nombre de pages : 20, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2013

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Stuttgart, Gebruder Borntraeger

Langue :
Anglais