Effects of Campaign-Based Soil and Water Conservation Practice on Soil Properties: The Case of Workamba Watershed, Debark District, North Ethiopia

Abstract

Land degradation is a serious environmental problem in Ethiopia. To address the problem, soil and water conservation practices were implemented through campaign. This study was conducted at Workamba watershed Debark district, North Ethiopia to assess the effect of campaign soil and water conservation (SWC) practice on selected soil properties. Composite soil samples from 1.5 meters above the soil bunds, at the center and 1.5 meters below the soil bunds between the two consecutive structures were collected. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. Results showed bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca2+), and sodium (Na+) were not significantly affected by slope gradient and terrace position and their interaction. But pH was significantly influenced by the interaction effect. Cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable potassium (K+), and clay content were significantly changed with both slope gradient and terrace position. Whereas, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Av-P), and magnesium (Mg2+), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were significantly affected with terrace position and slope gradient, respectively. Because of the conservation barrier, most soil properties were better at the bottom terrace position and gentle slope gradient.