Effects of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties: The Case of Ejersa Lafo District, Central Highlands of Ethiopia.

Abstract BackgroundLand degradation in the form of soil erosion and fertility depletion is the major environmental problem in Ethiopia. However to curb this problem, Soil and Water conservation (SWC) measures are commonly practiced in many rural parts of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess the effects of SWC measures on selected soil quality indicators in Ejersa Lafo District. For this study two peasant associations (kebeles) were selected from the district based on the severity of soil erosion and information on SWC practices. A total of 12 composite soil samples from soil 0 to 20cm depth from two sub watersheds with SWC and without SWC practices at Jamjam laga batu and Koriso Odo guba from three landscape positions (upper slope, middle slope, and bottom) were collected. All the soil samples were analyzed following the standard and recommended procedures in Ambo University chemistry laboratory and subjected to ANOVA using the SPSS computer program. ResultMost of the selected soil physicochemical properties were affected by watershed management intervention. Comparing the two farmlands, the highest bulky density of 1.37gcm-3 was observed from unconserved farmland. The results of the study also showed higher values of Soil electrical conductivity (EC), Total nitrogen (TN), Cation exchange capacity (CEC), Soil Organic matter (SOM), Organic Carbon, Available Phosphorus (Av. P) and Available Potassium (Av. K) in conserved land and those all significantly varied between farm plots. On the other hand, Sandy, pH, SOM, TN, Av. P and Av. K values were significantly affected (p<0.05) by slope and all increased from upper (>30%), middle (15-30%) and lower (8-15%). ConclusionThe contribution of watershed management intervention to improve soil physicochemical properties is significant in the study area as it improved some of the selected soil physicochemical properties of soil. Furthermore, efforts are required to enhance community adoption towards soil and water conservation. Additionally, further research has to be carried out on socio-economic aspects and impacts of the intervention on crop productivity for better understanding of the sustainable use of the land and to make a comprehensive conclusion.