Soil fertility survey on small holder sorghum fields : a case study of Kabale municipality in Kabale district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a vital food and income crop for smallholder farmers in Kabale Municipality, Southwestern Uganda. It is valued particularly for its drought tolerance and adaptability to the region’s hilly terrain. However, sustained productivity of this crop is critically dependent on soil health and there has been limited scientific documentation of the actual soil fertility status in local sorghum fields. This study was therefore conducted to fill that knowledge gap by assessing the current soil fertility conditions, evaluating the impact of current soil management practices on sorghum performance, and recommending appropriate fertility management strategies for farmers in Kabale Municipality.
A mixed-methods research approach was employed combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered electronically via Kobo Collect, face-to-face interviews and direct field observations. Laboratory soil analysis was conducted using a soil field test kit to assess five key soil fertility parameters that is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter (OM) and soil pH. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis.
Findings from the laboratory soil analysis revealed a complex but concerning fertility picture whereby Nitrogen levels were generally adequate of the sampled fields though some showed inadequate levels and complete nitrogen deficiency. Potassium was sufficient in the vast majority of the fields. Phosphorus was at a moderate level of the fields though actual phosphorus uptake by plants is likely constrained by prevailing soil acidity. Organic matter was very high and high in some of the fields indicating that farmers’ organic management practices are yielding positive results. The most critical finding was that all sampled fields exhibited acidic soil pH which significantly limits nutrient availability and can cause aluminum toxicity harmful to sorghum roots.
Regarding the soil management practices, the majority of farmers relied heavily on crop rotation and manure application. Most respondents described themselves as “somewhat knowledgeable” about soil fertility management and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing was the dominant source of agricultural information. Despite some progress, farmers faced significant challenges including climate change, soil degradation and financial constraints. Encouragingly, all respondents expressed a strong willingness to adopt new and improved soil management techniques.
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Undergraduate research report
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Citation
Kansiime, I. (2026). Soil fertility survey on small holder sorghum fields : a case study of Kabale municipality in Kabale district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.