Soil Chemical and Physical Properties in Taungya and Non-Taungya Plots at Sao Hill Forest Plantation, Tanzania

This study compared soil physical and chemical properties in Tungya and Non-Taungya plots at Sao Hill Forest plantation, Tanzania. Soil samples were collected from 0-20cm depth in February and May Using a zigzag pattern to ensure representative coverage. Physical properties (bulk density, porosity, Soil moisture content, soil texture) and chemical properties (soil pH electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and available phosphorous) were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Results showed significant differences between the two management practices. In February Non-Taungya plots had higher bulk density(1.33±0.151/cm3) compared to Taungya plots (1.16±0.107 g/cm3; p<0.001), while Taungya plots showed higher porosity (56.12%±4.06p<0.001). May sampling also revealed differences with non-Taungya plots maintaining higher bulk density (1.32±0.15 g/cm3) compared to Taungya plots (1.08±0.09 g/cm3); p<0.001). Soil texture analysis showed no significant differences in sand content between treatments. However, silt content was significantly higher in Taungya plots (13.27 ± 3.849%) compared to non-Taungya plots (10.69 ± 3.23%; p=0.007), while clay percentage did not differ significantly. Soil chemical properties, non-Taungya plots had higher pH (4.67±0.47) compared to Taungya plots (4.3±0.22; p<0.001) while electrical conductivity (0.04±0.04 dS/m) compared to Taungya plots (0.01±0.01 dS/m; p<0.001). Taungya plots showed higher total nitrogen (0.04±0.01%; p<0.0031) compared to non-Taungya plots (0.035±0.01%). In additional May available phosphorous in Taungya plots was (3.95±0.55 mg/kg; p<0.001) compared to non-Taungya plots (1.97±0.32 mg/kg). These results suggest that Taungya practices significantly influence soil properties, potentially impacting soil quality and forest productivity. The study provides valuable awareness for sustainable forest management and highlights the need for long-term monitoring of soil properties under different management systems in plantation forests