The importance of selected soil properties with respect to
occurrence of plague vectors and reservoirs was studied in
Lushoto District, Tanzania. Plague reservoirs showed
significant correlation (p<0.05) with subsoil percent clay, topsoil
percent total nitrogen, topsoil C/N, topsoil pH and topsoil DTPA
extractable Cu. Plague vectors’ occurrence showed significant
correlation (p<0.05) with effective soil depth, topsoil percent
total nitrogen, topsoil C/N, subsoil percent organic carbon and
with topsoil DTPA extractable Zn. It is recommended that
plague disease control should also employ knowledge on
relationships between soil properties and plague reservoirs and
vectors.
RUFORUM