Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint for rice production in the tropics. Field-specific P management key resource-limited farmers to increase yields with minimal inputs. We used soil fractionation analysis identify relevant factors controlling uptake and responses fertilization of flooded highly weathered soils. Phytometric pot-based experiments modified Hedley were repeated soils from extensive regions geographically adjacent fields Madagascar. Large field-to-field variations...

As a proximal soil sensing technique, laboratory visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy is promising tool for the quantitative estimation of properties. However, there remain challenges predicting phosphorus (P) content availability, which requires reliable model applicable different land-use systems to upscale. Recently, one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) corresponding spectral information was developed considerably improve accuracy property predictions. The...

As a laboratory proximal sensing technique, the capability of visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) diffused reflectance spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS) regression to determine soil properties has previously been demonstrated. However, evaluation phosphorus (P) content—a major nutrient constraint for crop production in tropics—is still challenging task. PLS waveband selection can improve predictive ability calibration model, genetic algorithm (GA) widely applied as suitable...

Abstract Applied phosphorus (P) use efficiency is generally low due to the mobility of P in soil and its affinity form insoluble complexes. Localized application nearby root zone a potential approach overcome this issue crop production. However, interaction with conditions little understood, which results less effective approach. Using root-box experiments changing P-retention capacity soils, we revealed that applied rice can be substantially improved by dipping seedlings P-enriched slurry...

Abstract Improved phosphorus (P) use efficiency for crop production is needed, given the depletion of ore deposits, and increasing ecological concerns about its excessive use. Root system architecture (RSA) important in efficiently capturing immobile P soils, while agronomically, localized application near roots a potential approach to address this issue. However, interaction between genetic traits RSA has been little understood. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) their parent rice ( qsor1 -NIL,...

Abstract Water erosion is one of the main concerns driving land degradation in mountainous areas throughout world, and its characteristics change widely with soil climate conditions different locations. To investigate effects rainfall properties on surface runoff loss, we installed plots (width 0·8 m × slope length 2·4 m) enclosed by corrugated iron sheets, evaluated water budgets for rainfall, moisture every event over a rainy season at four sites (designated NY, TA, SO MA) Uluguru...

Efficient phosphorus (P) fertilizer management is highly required for resource-limited farmers to achieve higher yields in typical P-deficient farmlands sub-Saharan Africa. Although soil P retention has been conventionally used estimate the possible responses applied soils, its applicability not clearly confirmed at field level. In this study, of predict response rice plants application was investigated using pot experiments with soils collected from various locations (N = 62) and on-farm...

Soil phosphorus (P) forms have been practically defined as chemically fractionated pools. A knowledge of the abundance and diversity P in soil, factors affecting them, will lead to better soil management. However, little is known about differences among soils with different geological properties tropical Africa. The aim this study was investigate physicochemical formed under conditions southern Tanzania identify these soils. In total, 37 surface samples were collected from three groups;...

Abstract Soil water erosion is a major agricultural concern in tropical Africa with high precipitation and low soil fertility where Oxisols are generally distributed. A field experiment was conducted east Cameroon during the rainy season 2013 to investigate effects of surface mulching residues Imperata cylindrica on losses runoff generation cassava cropland an Oxisol. Three treatments were established using two small plots for each treatment: bare plot (BA), (CA) mulch (CM). loss measured,...

Laboratory visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS) regression can be used to determine the soil carbon (C) content, waveband selection procedures refine predictive ability. However, individually selected wavebands are not always same depending on location, scale, approach. To simplify variable issue, some methods for selecting wavelength regions instead of individual have been proposed. In this study, we explore relevant predicting total (TC) content...

Abstract The majority of paddy fields in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are characterized by nutrient‐poor soils. In such fields, tillering rice ( Oryza sativa L.) plants is severely restricted, which results a reduced number panicles and thus decrease grain yield. this study, we evaluated the effects quantitative trait locus (QTL), associated with referred as MP3 , on growth yield soils Madagascar. We used high‐yielding cultivar, Takanari, its near‐isogenic line bearing allele (NIL‐ ). A pot...

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major yield constraint for lowland rice production in the tropics. As P-fertilizer resources are finite, alternative fertilizer management needed sustainable production. We examined whether farmyard manure (FYM), nutrient source smallholder farms, can overcome issue typical P-deficient lowlands central highlands of Madagascar. A multi-location trial sites varying altitude and soil P availability, clarified that effect both FYM mineral application on grain...

Abstract Crop residue management strategies must be adapted for improving carbon (C) balance and soil C stock in agroecosystems sub‐Saharan Africa with consideration of the crop availability site‐specific characteristics. We conducted field experiments to determine effects application method (incorporation/mulching) quality (maize/cowpea) N fertilizer on respiration rate surface layer (0–15 cm) maize croplands contrasting textures (clay/sandy) over 2 years from 2012 2014 Tanzania. At clay...

Soil nitrogen (N) dynamics in croplands need to be improved for the increase of food production sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was investigate crop residue management terms quality and application method improve soil N during period growth maize with special reference textures dry tropical agroecosystems. Field experiments were conducted rainy seasons 2012 2013 at clayey sandy sites Tanzania. Five treatment plots established: no applied (Ctrl plot), chemical fertilizer (F (high C:N ratio...