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dc.contributor.authorChisanga, Kafula
dc.contributor.authorMbega, Ernest
dc.contributor.authorNdakidemi, Patrick
dc.date.accessioned2020-06-02T12:54:42Z
dc.date.available2020-06-02T12:54:42Z
dc.date.issued2020-05-20
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.3390/plants9050649
dc.identifier.urihttps://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12479/763
dc.descriptionThis research article published by MDPI, 2020en_US
dc.description.abstractTermite mound soils are reportedly utilized as an alternative to NPK fertilizers by cash constrained smallholder farmers in some parts of Southern Africa. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their mineral nutritional value. The intention of this work was therefore to investigate 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 36 sites across Pemba and Choma districts in Southern Zambia through collection of soil samples in triplicate at 0–20 cm depth, using a soil auger. Findings revealed that the soil pH had elevated levels in the base segments of the termite mounds compared with the top and the neighbouring soils. However, elevated N, P and K levels were recorded in the top sections with significant differences (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. We concluded that top termite mound soil should be considered as part of an integrated nutrient management strategy by financially challenged smallholder farmers cultivating in light textured soils of southern Africa.en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMDPIen_US
dc.subjectSoil conditioneren_US
dc.subjectSoil fertilityen_US
dc.subjectSoil nutrient bioavailabilityen_US
dc.subjectsoil pHen_US
dc.subjectSoil physicalen_US
dc.subjectChemical propertiesen_US
dc.titleProspects of Using Termite Mound Soil Organic Amendment for Enhancing Soil Nutrition in Southern Africaen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US


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