Evaluation of the effectiveness of level soil bund and soil bund age on selected soil physicochemical properties in Somodo Watershed, Jimma Zone, SouthWestern Ethiopia

Abstract

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.

Age of Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Selected Soil Properties along the Toposequence of Gerado Watershed, Habru District, Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

“…Te reason for the presence of a higher proportion of sand particles in the upper catchment could be related to the resistance of the coarser fractions to detachment by runof. Similar results indicated that sand and clay fractions showed a signifcant diference with the age of SWC practice and compared with adjacent nonconserved cultivated land [23]. However, no signifcant variation in the soil particle size fraction between conserved and nonconserved cultivated land was reported [24].…”

Comparison of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stocks between farmland treated with three and six years level soil bund and adjacent farmland without conservation measure: In the case of southwestern Ethiopia

“…The means monthly temperature of the site is 19.27°C ranging from 13.6°C and 25°C ( Fig 2 ). Nitisols is the most dominant soil type and sandy clay loam is the textural soil class of the watershed [ 21 ]. Nitisols are well drained, red or reddish soils with diffuse horizon boundaries and a nitic horizon with more than 30% clay [ 22 ].…”

Effect of land-use practices on species diversity and selected soil property in Somodo Watershed South-Western Ethiopia

“…Nitisols and Orthic Acrisols are the most dominant soil types of the area and Nitisols accounting for 64% of slightly acidic soil [ 17 ]. The textural class of the soil is sandy clay loam, while the pH is found to be strongly acidic [ 18 ].…”