Total Nutrient Element Status of Subsistence Agriculture Soils in Angola
Keywords:
Soil nutrients, nutrient variances, landscape relationships, Ferralsols, CambisolsAbstract
Soil nutrient status in subsistence agricultural soils of Angola is poorly understood yet is vital in planning support and development of agricultural systems. This paper establishes the total nutrient status for two contrasting subsistence agricultural areas in Angola, within Huambo and Luanda provinces. Based on the World Reference Base for Soil Resources criteria (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2015, 2022) four soil catenas in each of Huambo and Luanda Provinces are classified as haplic Ferralsols and eutric Cambisols respectively. Mean and range total nutrient element values for twelve elements are determined (N, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, Zn, Cu, Mo, Fe, Al) with the results showing high variability and indicating that the haplic Ferralsols are below sub-Saharan averages for these elements while the eutric Cambisols are above these averages. Statistical analyses of relationships between soil nutrients and landscape factors by applying ANCOVA and pairwise comparisons using Tukey and Bonferroni tests indicate that underlying parent material has the biggest influence on element concentrations, further modified by slope processes; profile pedogenesis has had minimal contribution to element variances. Our findings highlight the need for detailed local analyses when planning supportive and effective nutrient management interventions.
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