Association of grape growers and independent wine makers in Dodoma
Chama cha wakulimaji wa zabibu na washindi wa zabuni za kujitegemea huko Dodoma
Athari ya chini ya kiikolojia na ukuaji endelevu wa zabibu na ukuaji wa mimea
Ecological low impact and sustainable grape growing and viticulture
It is important to work in a responsible manner. Both with regard to the environment and sustainability. Water is scarce in our region, and we are completely dependent on our groundwater, both for plants, animals and people. That is why we have to work with a long-term vision.
The dry earth and sandy soil, combined with low humidity, is perfect for producing dry white and red wines in Dodoma. But, on the other hand, sandy soil also has an increased risk of groundwater contamination. The best way to protect our future groundwater is to grow low impact, ecological grapes. Only organic fertilization and minimizing the use of pesticides.
Ecological low impact and sustainable grape growing and viticulture
It is important to work in a responsible manner. Both with regard to the environment and sustainability. Water is scarce in our region, and we are completely dependent on our groundwater, both for plants, animals and people. That is why we have to work with a long-term vision.
The dry earth and sandy soil, combined with low humidity, is perfect for producing dry white and red wines in Dodoma. But, on the other hand, sandy soil also has an increased risk of groundwater contamination. The best way to protect our future groundwater is to grow low impact, ecological grapes. Only organic fertilization and minimizing the use of pesticides.
Why sustainable is so important.
Leaching Nitrogen (N₂) from fertilizer that leaches out eventually ends up in the groundwater, just like pesticides.
Organic matter
A healthy and rich soil life promotes the natural fertility of the soil and prevents leaching of nutrients. The presence of organic matter and soil bacteria causes slow mineralisation and nutrient release and increases the CEC value of the soil. This is the key to fertile soil and groundwater protection.
Leaching Nitrogen (N₂) from fertilizer that leaches out eventually ends up in the groundwater, just like pesticides.
Organic matter
A healthy and rich soil life promotes the natural fertility of the soil and prevents leaching of nutrients. The presence of organic matter and soil bacteria causes slow mineralisation and nutrient release and increases the CEC value of the soil. This is the key to fertile soil and groundwater protection.
Dodoma Soil Survey Report – FAO
“These factors to a large extent have decreased the rainfall absorptive capacity of the soils and made them drier than they would have been under well managed conditions.” - “Dry land areas cover about 47.2% earth land area. In the dry lands, there are a limitation in the arable land, but we have to cultivate on these poor soils areas.” (Reynolds and Stafford, 2002).
“The poor soil areas are described as sandy soils (Lal, R. 2003). Sandy soils are believe marginal for the agricultural production (Ayarza, et al, 2005). Most of sandy soils, the availability of nutrient and reduction of carbon content in soil organic are among the main agricultural limitations. In addition, due to previous limitations, there are another soil indicators such as low in water holding capacity, centered mineralization of soils organic matter and also, leaching of the soils nutrients .....etc. and for these limitations, cultivation in the sandy soils of dry areas relies strongly on the use of external inputs like inorganic and organic fertilizers (Guiller, et al, 1997).”
“These factors to a large extent have decreased the rainfall absorptive capacity of the soils and made them drier than they would have been under well managed conditions.” - “Dry land areas cover about 47.2% earth land area. In the dry lands, there are a limitation in the arable land, but we have to cultivate on these poor soils areas.” (Reynolds and Stafford, 2002).
“The poor soil areas are described as sandy soils (Lal, R. 2003). Sandy soils are believe marginal for the agricultural production (Ayarza, et al, 2005). Most of sandy soils, the availability of nutrient and reduction of carbon content in soil organic are among the main agricultural limitations. In addition, due to previous limitations, there are another soil indicators such as low in water holding capacity, centered mineralization of soils organic matter and also, leaching of the soils nutrients .....etc. and for these limitations, cultivation in the sandy soils of dry areas relies strongly on the use of external inputs like inorganic and organic fertilizers (Guiller, et al, 1997).”
Organic matter is the key
A fertile and healthy soil is the basis for healthy plants, animals, and humans. And soil organic matter is the very foundation for healthy and productive soils. Understanding the role of organic matter in maintaining a healthy soil is essential for developing ecologically sound agricultural practices. But how can organic matter, which only makes up a small percentage of most soils, be so important? The reason is that organic matter positively influences, or modifies the effect of, essentially all soil properties. That is the reason it’s so important to our understanding of soil health and how to manage soils better. Organic matter is essentially the heart of the story, but certainly not the only part. In addition to functioning in a large number of key roles that promote soil processes and crop growth, soil organic matter is a critical part of a number of global and regional cycles. The soil around Dodoma is very poor and soil management is virtually non-existent. That is why the focus is on sharing knowledge on this subject.
A fertile and healthy soil is the basis for healthy plants, animals, and humans. And soil organic matter is the very foundation for healthy and productive soils. Understanding the role of organic matter in maintaining a healthy soil is essential for developing ecologically sound agricultural practices. But how can organic matter, which only makes up a small percentage of most soils, be so important? The reason is that organic matter positively influences, or modifies the effect of, essentially all soil properties. That is the reason it’s so important to our understanding of soil health and how to manage soils better. Organic matter is essentially the heart of the story, but certainly not the only part. In addition to functioning in a large number of key roles that promote soil processes and crop growth, soil organic matter is a critical part of a number of global and regional cycles. The soil around Dodoma is very poor and soil management is virtually non-existent. That is why the focus is on sharing knowledge on this subject.