Evaluation and Characterization of Soil Salinity Status at Small-Scale Irrigation Farms at Bora and Lume Districts of East Showa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

For sound land use and water management in irrigated area, knowledge of the chemical composition of soil and water condition before action are crucial for sustainability of irrigation projects. The study aimed to evaluate and characterize the physicochemical properties of soils with the intention to soil salinity status at small scale irrigation schemes with reference to standard suitability classes. With regard to this, a study was conducted in Bora and Lume districts of small scale irrigation in East showa, Ethiopia. Before soil sampling the area was purposively classified as the land irrigated with ground water and river for more than 5 years. Accordingly, Soil samples were collected from the land irrigated with ground water and river to the depth of 90cm that was re-classified in to three different sampling depths (0-30cm, 31-60cm and 61-90cm). Both land irrigated with ground water and river were replicated three times in each district. Soil samples were also collected from rein fed agriculture in both districts for comparison. Analysis of soil samples showed that average soil pH>8.5, EC 15 were observed at the land irrigated using ground water in both districts. This analysis reveals the existence of potential sodicity in the soil. Ground water analysis also indicated high sodicity in the irrigation water. To sustain productivity of soil in this small scale irrigation site, the study underlines the need for immediate soil salinity management by using appropriate soil sodicity reclamation techniques especially at the farmers who are using ground water for irrigation.