Effects of Soil and Water Conservation on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties in Debatie District, Northwestern Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/star.v11i1.02Keywords:
Soil Water Conservation, Soil Erosion, Soil Physicochemical Properties, Soil Fertility, Soil Organic MatterAbstract
Ethiopia's soil resources are primarily depleted by erosion, which reduces agricultural production. Conservation of soil and water reduces soil loss and nutrient loss. This research examined how SWC techniques affect soil physicochemical properties. At 0–20 cm depth, soil samples were taken from top and bottom slopes of grazing, preserved, and uncaring fields. Specific soil fertility indicators were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. In accordance with GLM, SAS version 9.2's one-way ANOVA was used to analyze data. The study examined if SWC procedures altered soil physicochemical parameters. In both treated and untreated crops, physical SWC methods measured the mean values of accessible phosphorus (1.96, 4.18 mg kg1), total nitrogen (0.11%, 0.17%), soil pH (5.56, 5.93), and soil organic matter (2.26, 3.59%). Physical SWC showed that treated farmland had higher mean values than untreated farmland. The SWC method showed a statistically significant difference in bulk density between treated and untreated crops. Many soil physicochemical characteristics and agricultural productivity improved with engineered soil and water conservation. Thus, effective guidance, application, and use are essential for soil production and agricultural sustainability.
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