| Sumario: | This information brief presents the development of digital soil maps and a Soil Quality Index (SQI) for Malawi, based on 1,813 geo-referenced soil samples collected across major agro-ecological zones. Multiple soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical parameters were analyzed and integrated through weighted modeling and spatial analysis to evaluate overall soil health. The resulting digital maps reveal that most soils in Malawi fall within good to very good quality classes, indicating favorable conditions for crop production. However, localized constraints, such as low organic carbon, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil acidity, persist, particularly in the central and northern regions. High soil quality areas were identified in Chikwawa and Nyika National Park, while lower SQI values were observed around Kasungu and Kafukule. The findings suggest the importance of site-specific soil management strategies to enhance fertility, support sustainable land use, and inform precision agriculture and national soil health monitoring initiatives in Malawi.
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