Soil organic carbon accumulation under perennial forages in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) loss in continuously cultivated agricultural systems is a major problem many sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Studies show that improved management practices in annual cropping systems only reduce the rate of SOC losses, but are not sufficient to achieve sequestration. Introducing perennial grass, such as Brachiaria and Rhodes (Chloris Gayana) into annual cropping systems can be a viable strategy for enhancing SOC.

Although significant efforts have been made in quantifying the impacts of perennial grasses on different soil properties, studies in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce with limited field observations and model assessments.

Objective: Investigate the differences in SOC between annual maize (Zea mays) cropping systems and the Rhodes (Chloris Gayana) grass in the southern highlands of Tanzania.

Nyawira, S.S.; Birthe, P.; Korir, M.J.; Nzogela, B.; Notenbaert, A.O.