Abstract
Information on soil is an essential in sustainable utilization of soil resources and sound land use planning. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of characterization and classification of soil on Askate sub-watershed, northeastern Ethiopia. Four representative soil pedons were opened along topographic position and described on each identified genetic horizons basis on the field for their morphological characteristics following the soil field description guidelines. The morphological properties were examined in the field while physical and chemical properties were analyzed in laboratory. The results of the study were revealed variation in morphological, physical, and chemical properties of the soils. Soil textural classes were sandy loam to loam sandy. The bulk density ranged from 1.04 to 1.60 g cm -3 . The soil reaction rated as slightly acidic to moderate acidic (5.4 to 6.7). The OM ranged from 0.41 to 3.23% while available P ranged from 0.72 to 9.36 mg kg -1 which was low to medium rate. The exchangeable bases ranged from low to medium rate in the study area. CEC was medium to high rate, which implies the medium nutrient reservoir of the soil. Finally, three soil types, Humic Cambisols, Haplic Luvisol, and Cambic Umbrisols were identified in the study area according to World Reference Base. Using the soils according to their potential and applications of optimum organic and inorganic fertilizers are essential to keep the sustainability of soil fertility for better crop production and productivity. Keywords: Pedon, Soil classification, Soil characteristics, Topography. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-3-06 Publication date: February 28 th 2021
Highlights
The productivity of agricultural soils in worldwide is currently declining and per capita food grain production decreased significantly (Shimeles et al, 2007)
Materials and Methods Description of the study area This study was conducted on Askate sub-watershed which is found in 027 Terad kebele, Legambo district, south Wollo zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia, which is located on 500 km distance from the capital city of Addis Ababa
Four representative soil pedons were opened along topographic position and described on each identified genetic horizons basis on the field for their morphological characteristics
Summary
The productivity of agricultural soils in worldwide is currently declining and per capita food grain production decreased significantly (Shimeles et al, 2007). Due to the increasing rate of population demanding food, the nutrients have been depleted and the productive capacity of soils has diminished through changes in soil characteristics (Liu et al, 2010). This demands systematic evaluation of soil resources with respect to their extent, distribution, characteristics, and use potential, which is very important for developing an effective land use system to enhance agricultural production on a sustainable basis (Pulakeshi et al, 2014)
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