http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987111000405 |
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| Authors: | Jean dela Paix Mupenzi Lanhai Li Jiwen Ge Achal Varenyam Gabriel Habiyaremye Nzayisenga Theoneste Kamanzi Emmanuel |
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| Institution: | [1]xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology and Desert Environment, 818 Beijing South Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China [2]School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan Administrative District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China [3]Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution ＆ Eco-Restoration, 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan Administrative District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China |
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| Abstract: | This study has focused on the processes of soil degradation and chemical element concentration
in tea-growing regions of Rwanda, Africa. Soil degradation accelerated by erosion is caused not only
by topography but also by human activities. This soil degradation involves both the physical loss and
reduction in the amount of topsoil associated with nutrient decline. Soil samples were collected from
eleven tropical zones in Rwanda and from variable depth within each collecting site. Of these, Samples
from three locations in each zone were analyzed in the laboratory, with the result that the pH of all soil
samples is shown to be less than 5 (pH < 5) with a general average of 4.4. The elements such as iron (Fe),
copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) are present in high concentration levels. In contrast calcium
(Ca) and sodium (Na) are present at low-level concentrations and carbon (C) was found in minimal concentrations. In addition, elements derived from fertilizers, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and
potassium (K) which is also from minerals such as feldspar, are also present in low-level concentrations.
The results indicate that the soil in certain Rwandan tea plantations is acidic and that this level of pH may
help explain, in addition to natural factors, the deficiency of some elements such as Ca, Mg, P and N. The
use of chemical fertilizers, land use system and the location of fields relative to household plots are also
considered to help explain why tea plantation soils are typically degraded. |
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| Keywords: | Chemical elements Fertilizer use pH Soil degradation Tea plantations |
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