Assessing the impacts of soil and water conservation practices on soil physicochemical properties in contrasting slope landscapes of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia in general and in the study area, soil erosion, which is the main cause of land degradation, is a significant environmental and agricultural problem. The efficiency of various land management strategies used over time to reduce their detrimental effects on soil quality and health has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of soil and water management methods applied to the Offa District of the Wolaita Zone in southern Ethiopia. A total of 36 composite and core soil samples were taken from the topographies of both conserved and non-conserved fields from the top 20 cm soil depth. The collected soil data were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the mean values of the treatments were separated using the Fisher multiple range test. The results revealed that the physical and chemical properties of soil (pH, Organic carbon, Total nitrogen, Available phosphorus, Cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable basic cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+), Soil texture, and Bulk density showed a significance difference (p < 0.05) between the measures of soil and water conservation (SWC). The treated soils of Fanya juu, stone bund, and soil bund had the highest soil pH (6.56, 6.56, and 6.11), organic carbon (1.80, 1.62, and 1.76 %), total nitrogen (0.18, 0.16, and 0.17 %), accessible phosphorus (2.72, 2.77, and 1.94 ppm), and all exchangeable basic cations showed higher amount than untreated. The results showed that the implemented SWC structures had high value in restoring and preserving soil nutrients and improving the productive capacity of the soil. This study confirmed the effectiveness of SWC practices in improving soil quality. To achieve soil quality, it's essential to maintain awareness and use of the latest technology. It is strongly advised to highlight the urgent need for SWC training, public awareness, and government support.