Enhancing Maize (Zea mays) Productivity Through Integrated Soil Fertility Management: A Participatory Approach in Degraded Soils of Kigoma, Tanzania

Masoud Salehe Sultan^1*David Kiprikor Lelei²Lukelysia Nyawira Mwangi²Nicholaus Musimu Kuboja¹Fergus L. Sinclair²

• ¹Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Dodoma, Tanzania
• ²World Agroforestry Centre (Kenya), Nairobi, Kenya

This study investigated the impact of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies on soil fertility and maize yields in Sub-Saharan Africa, where low yields and poor soil fertility limit agricultural productivity. The study utilized the InPaC-S methodological approach to engage farmers through workshops and field experiments, focusing on combinations of organic manure, lime, and NPK fertilizers. The experimental design, employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD), to assess the effects of various treatments on soil chemical properties and maize growth. The results show that the combination of lime and NPK significantly improved maize yields and enhanced key soil properties, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and exchangeable bases. The study also explores the economic implications of these practices, demonstrating that while fertilizer costs can be high, certain ISFM combinations, such as lime and manure, offer a more cost-effective approach, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers. This manuscript is highly relevant to the Frontiers in Agroecology journal, as it aligns with the call for research on agroecological practices that enhance resilience in farming systems. The study contributes evidence on how integrated practices can mitigate climate impacts and improve food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.