Characterization of Soils of Jello Chancho Watershed: The Case of Liban District, East Shewa Zone Ethiopia

Abu Regasa Gemada
2021 Journal of Energy and Natural Resources  
Understanding of soil physicochemical properties is necessary for appropriate utilization of soil resources. Soil resources characterization and classification is major requirements. In view of this, a study was conducted on soils of Jello-Chancho watershed in Liban District, East Shewa Zone of Ethiopia to characterize physicochemical properties of the soil. To achieve these objectives, three profiles were opened from the watershed and examined for their selected morphological, physicals and
more » ... micals properties. The morphological properties were examined in field while physiochemical properties were analyzed in laboratory and finally the soils were classified. The soils were generally pinkish white to black color and moderate to deep soil depth. The structure was granular in the surface horizons of all profiles while friable consistence in moist basis of surface horizons in all profiles. Textural classes were ranged from loam to clay whereas bulk density ranged from 0.90 to 1.18 gcm -3 , and total porosity ranged from 55.47 to 66.00%. The soils were rated as moderate acid (5.6-6) to neutral (6.6-7.3). The electrical conductivity was low in all studied profile. The organic matter contents in the study area ranged from 1.93 to 4.47% and total N contents ranged from 0.10 to 0.23%. The available phosphorus was ranged from 0.02 to 3.86 mgkg -1 . The exchangeable potassium, calcium and magnesium were high to very high in all studied profiles while sodium was very low to high. CEC of the study soils were ranged from 18.90 to 68.20 cmolckg -1 whereas percent base saturation ranged from 53 to 98%. Depending on the results, the soils were classified as Abruptic Luvisols (profile 1), Haplic Luvisols (profile 2) and luvic Phaeazems (profile 3), respectively. The morphological and physiochemical properties of the soil for the study area change with topography and soil depth. Low level of OM, available P, and total N could be the major problems in the study area. Therefore the results of this study concluded that increasing extent of continuous and intensive cultivation with minimum conservation practices and erosion due to slope effect can further deteriorate soil properties. The control of such damaging effects would require proper soil conservation strategies.
doi:10.11648/j.jenr.20211004.12 fatcat:dzap6m5i7fcpxgqrng3hn5mpge