Abstract
Variation in physical landscape of the highlands gives rise to variations in agro-climatic and soil parent materials in Ethiopia. The aim of this research is to characterize the physio-chemical properties of soils in Kulfo watershed. For the study, primary data from transect walks, composite soil samples and GPS points and secondary data from satellite imaginaries, National Metrological Agency and Central Statistical Agency were used. 36 composite soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected from three agro-ecologies (upland, mid and lowland) and analyzed in soil laboratory. Accordingly, the watershed is characterized into four agro ecologies: Lowland (20.9%), midland (35.9%), highland (37.4%) and cold high mountain areas (5.8%). Soil analysis revealed that dominantly the watershed is characterized as textually clay loam to sandy loam and there are no significant textural differences among soils in all agro-ecologies. The soil reaction varies from moderately acidic (with pH 5.4) to neutral (pH 7.3). The watershed is dominated by medium organic matter, low total nitrogen, very low available phosphorus (3.83-6.65 ppm), high potassium and very low to low cation exchange capacity. Soil and water conservation measures in the upland and use of organic manure in the lowland areas could be the viable options for rehabilitation of soil productivity. Key words: GIS, remote sensing techniques, transect walk, composite soil sample.
Highlights
Ethiopia is located in the tropics; its impressive altitudinal variations within a short distance allow the country to enjoy both temperate and tropical climates, which gives varying biophysical resources (Gashaw, 2015)
Kulfo watershed has diverse agro ecological zones ranging from dry Kola belt (500-1500 m) to a high Dega belt (3200-3700 m)
The analysis revealed that organic matter content of soil in the midlands and low lying areas of the croplands are medium to high in amount (2.38 to 3.21%) respectively
Summary
Ethiopia is located in the tropics; its impressive altitudinal variations within a short distance allow the country to enjoy both temperate and tropical climates, which gives varying biophysical resources (Gashaw, 2015). The great topographic variation of Ethiopian highlands gives rise to the formation of different physical landscapes which are in turn the causes for variations in soil parent materials, agro ecological zones, flora and fauna (Mishra et al, 2004). Soil being basic natural resource, its wellbeing is vital for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainable farm production. Ethiopian highlands are receiving high amount of rainfall, which causes leaching of basic soil nutrients. Rugged terrain feature has significant effect on weathering of soils (Lloyd and Anthony, 1999)
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