Soil Quality Variation under Enset based Conservation Tillage and Cereal based Conventional Tillage System in Southern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

With the objectives of assessing the variation of soil quality indicators; two land use types: Enset based conservation tillage system (EBCSTS) and Cereal based conventional tillage system (CBCVTS) were selected in Gedeo zone, Bule woreda, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 48 composite and undisturbed (for bulk density determination) soil samples (2 land use types_4 blocks_3 replication_2 soil depth: 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) were collected for laboratory analysis. The result showed that soil textural fractions (sand, p<0.001; silt, p = 0.003 and clay = p = 0.001) and soil pH (p<0.001) significantly varied with land use types. Moreover, soil moisture content (p<0.001), bulk density (p = 0.016, p = 0.002), SOC (p<0.001), TN (p<0.001) and CEC (p<0.001, p = 0.001) have shown significant variation with land use types and soil depth respectively. Sand and clay were higher in EBCSTS and CBCVTS, respectively. Higher amount of sand fraction was observed under 0-15 cm on EBCSTS and 15-30 cm on CBCVTS land use types. Lower soil bulk density (g cm -3 ) and higher amount of SOC (%), TN (%), soil pH, CEC (meq/100g soil) and SMC (%) were observed at 0–15 cm soil layer under the EBCSTS. Soil bulk density (g cm -3 ), soil pH and SMC (%) increased while SOC (%), CEC (meq/100g soil) and TN (%) decreased with soil depth in both land use types. Improvement in the soil quality under EBCSTS was due to the presence of less soil disturbance coupled with higher addition of organic matter (SOM) in the soil. Thus, through implementing EBCSTS, it is possible to protect and maintain soil qualities for sustainable soil management and cropping practices in the area.