Investigating Factors Affecting Iron Levels in Sorghum in Rubanda District.

This study investigated the factors affecting iron levels in sorghum in Rubanda District. The research aimed to: (a) determine baseline iron levels in sorghum, (b) investigate soil-sorghum iron relationships using titration, and (c) assess the impact of agricultural practices on iron absorption. A t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mujuni, Livingstone
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Kabale University 2025
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Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/2795
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Summary:This study investigated the factors affecting iron levels in sorghum in Rubanda District. The research aimed to: (a) determine baseline iron levels in sorghum, (b) investigate soil-sorghum iron relationships using titration, and (c) assess the impact of agricultural practices on iron absorption. A total of five sorghum samples from different agricultural fields were analyzed using titration methods. The results revealed a significant variation in baseline iron levels, ranging from 12.8 to 40.0 mg/kg, with a mean of 26.57 mg/kg. Correlation analysis showed a strong negative relationship between soil pH and sorghum iron content and a moderate positive correlation with organic matter content. Additionally, fields treated with chemical fertilizers and those that were irrigated generally exhibited higher iron content compared to fields with organic fertilizers and non-irrigated fields. The study concluded that soil pH and fertilizer type significantly influenced iron content in sorghum, highlighting the importance of managing soil acidity and choosing appropriate fertilizers to enhance micronutrient levels. Recommendations include implementing soil pH adjustment measures and considering the use of chemical fertilizers or optimized organic fertilizer blends to improve iron content in sorghum crops.