An Investigation into the Problem of Crop Failure at the Chathina Irrigation Scheme, Chingale, Zomba District in Malawi

Abstract

Evaluation studies were conducted to determine the possible causes of the crop failure problem at Chathina Irrigation Scheme and to suggest soil management strategies for addressing the causes for crop production improvement. A detailed soil survey of the area was conducted to determine the extent of different soil types existing in the area. Collected soil and irrigation water samples were analysed for physical- chemical properties at Bvumbwe Soils Laboratory. Three distinctive soil types were identified: Soil Type 1: Compact Soil (Colluvial Soil); Soil Type 2: Cracking Heavy Soil (Vertisols, Makande) with Sub-Soil Type 2a: Stratified Vertisols, and Sub- Soil Type 2b: Uniform Vertisol; Soil Type 3: Brownish Loamy Soil (Alluvial Soil) with Sub-Soil Type 3a: Stratified Brown Loamy Soil (Young Alluvial) and Sub-Soil Type 3b: Uniform Brown Loamy Soil (Old Alluvial Soil). The identified problems causing crop failure in the scheme were: low natural soil fertility; high soil salinity; high soil sodicity; poor quality irrigation and high water tables. Different integrated soil management technologies and tolerant crops were recommended. Follow-up studies were also suggested.