This study was conducted to investigate the effect of level soil bund stabilized with Vetiver grass and soil bund age on selected soil physicochemical properties on Somodo watershed, Jimma Zone, Southwestern , Ethiopia. A reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify a representative sampling site. From the selected sampling site croplands with level soil bund aged three years, six years and adjacent untreated cropland were identified. A total of 108 composite soil samples (3 treatments * 6 replications * 2 depths * 3 zones) were collected. Soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory analysis. Ages of level soil bund (LSB) significantly affected SMC (soil moisture content) (p<0.01), BD (bulk density) (p<0.01), and SOC (soil organic carbon) (p<0.01). Zones showed significant difference in sand content (p<0.05), SMC (p<0.01), BD (p<0.05) and SOC (p<0.01). Moreover, the soil depths also significantly influenced silt content (p<.05), SMC (p<.01), BD (p<0.01), SOC (p<0.01), TN (total nitrogen) (p<0.01), Av.-P (available phosphorous) (p<0.01) and CEC (p<0.05). The interaction effect of the age of LSB with zone was significant for SOC (P<0.05). To sum up, the effect of the constructed level soil bund had a positive impact on selected soil physicochemical properties of the site. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to maintain the structure to sustain the effectiveness and scale up the technology to other watersheds with similar agroecology of the country. Further study is encouraged to understand more about the effect of the slope and Vetiver grass bund stabilization role independently on selected soil properties.
Soil erosion is one of the most series problems for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. There is a need to understand the effective soil and water conservation practices. Therefore, feasible, easy, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly soil conservation practice is essential in the study area due to existence of severe soil erosion. The objective of the study was to investigate the farmers' adoption of Vetiver grass hedgerows for soil and water conservation in Haru district, Western Ethiopia. The data were collected through questionnaire survey; FGD (Focus Group Discussion), KII (Key Informant Interview) and observation. Quantitative and qualitative sources of data were used for the study. Both primary and secondary types of data were also employed in this study. The quantitative data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 20 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Whereas, the qualitative data were analyzed by descriptive narrations. Majority of respondents reported that soil erosion exists on their farmland at different degrees which hinders crop productivity. The study confirms that 71.3% of respondents practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation, whereas, 28.7% of respondents do not practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. There is statistically significant association between knowledge of households and the use of Vetiver grass, which influences their willingness to practice. The study indicated that sex, age, educational status and family size of sample respondents have showed statistically significant association with farmers' practice of Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. Whereas, marital status, source of income and farmland size have no significant association with the practice. Moreover, awareness creation among local community, facilitating training and initiating farmers on usage of Vetiver grass and experience sharing among users and other farmers within the kebele administration was suggested.
This study was conducted to examine and compare the status of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks between farmlands treated with level soil bund (LSB) of three and six years and adjacent farmland without conservation measure (control) at Somodo Watershed. Soil samples were collected from farmland treated with LSB-3 years, LSB-6 years and control using randomized complete block design. A total of 108 composite soil samples (3 treatments * 6 replications * 3 bund zones * 2 depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) were collected for analysis and determination of the Organic Carbon fraction (OC) and Nitrogen fraction (N). OC was determined using Walkley and Black method while N was determined using the Kjeldahl digestion, distillation and titration method. The result indicated that farmland treated with LSB-6 years has insignificantly higher SOC (98.43±11.55 Mg ha-1) and TN (9.37±1.10 Mg ha-1) stock than control SOC (93.01±13.51 Mg ha-1) and TN (9.28±1.60 Mg ha-1) stock. Likely, farmland treated with LSB-6 years has insignificantly higher SOC and TN stock than farmland treated with LSB-3 years SOC (96.61±11.45 Mg ha-1) stock. With respect to the age of LSB, farmland treated with LSB-6 years accumulated more SOC stock (5.83%) than control. This study revealed that the age of LSB conservation measures has a critical role in enhancing soil fertility through maintaining and sequestering SOC and TN.
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