Classification of Agricultural Soils in Manica and Sussundenga (Mozambique)

Mozambique soils are known for an unbalanced agronomic and environmental composition that results in poor agricultural production yields. However, agriculture is the main economic activity of Mozambique, and soils must be characterised for their elemental deficiencies and/or excesses. This paper sampled nine farms from the Manica and Sussundenga districts (Manica province) in three campaigns in 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 (before and after the rainy seasons). They were subjected to an agronomical and environmental chemical analysis to assess their quality, from the fertility and environmental contamination point of view. A multivariate data analysis methodology was used based on cluster and discriminant analysis. The analysis of 23 agronomical soil variables suggested four clusters of soils characterised by deficiencies and excess elements that must be corrected to improve the yield and quality of agricultural production. Moreover, the multivariate analysis of the metal composition (Ba, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, V and Zn) of soil samples from the second campaign and the third campaign, before and after the rainy season, suggested five clusters with pristine composition and with different metal pollutants composition and concentrations. The information obtained in this study allows scientific comprehension of agricultural soil quality, which is crucial for designing agronomic and environmental corrective measures to improve food quality and quantity in the Manica and Sussundenga districts and ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability.