This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use syst...
This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m 2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use systems (cultivated land, natural forest, and plantation forest. While Organic carbon (OC), Total nitrogen (TN), and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C: N) did not show significance difference among land-use systems in the watershed. The study has concluded that different land-use practices had a positive impact on sustaining species diversity, richness, and improve soil properties. Therefore, the study suggests that improving and expanding home garden agroforestry practices in the area are indispensable for environmental protection and soil fertility enhancement.
American Journal of Environmental Protection , 2020
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical soil and water conservation (S... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical soil and water conservation (SWC) structures and slope gradients on soil properties and to identify factors affecting farmer's adoption of the SWC practices. Cropland treated with level soil bund, fanya juu, and adjacent cropland without conservation structures were considered along the three slope gradients. A total of 27 soil samples were collected from the top 20 cm soil depth in 'X' design square plot with a length of 10m x 10m and replicated three times. A total of 120 households (HH) were randomly selected among which 48.3% were adopters and 51.7% were non-adopters of SWC structures. The collected soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures and a total of 10 variables were fitted in the logistic regression model. The result of the analysis revealed that sand fraction (%), SOC (%), TN (%), CEC (meq/100gm), and pH (H 2 O) were showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences between cropland treated with conservation structures and control plots; however, available P (ppm) did not show significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation. With regard to slope gradient, soil textural fractions sand (%), Silt (%) and Clay (%), and CEC (meq/100gm) were showed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). While BD (g cm-3), SMC (%), SOC (%), TN (%), and available P (ppm) did not significantly differ along the slope. The result of the model also showed that the explanatory variables; age, education level, family size, landholding, farm experience, availability of labor shortage, and extension service were significantly affected the adoption of SWC practices by the farmers. On the other hand; sex, marital status, and livestock holding were not significantly affected farmers' adoption of SWC practice. Therefore, scaling up of the soil bund for the area is necessary and building capacity, providing training and experience-sharing through field days for farmers is essential. Moreover, further investigation is encouraged on the integrated effect of physical and biological SWC practice and its socioeconomic aspects for a better understanding of the effect of sustainable use of the land.
Soil erosion is one of the most series problems for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. There is... more Soil erosion is one of the most series problems for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. There is a need to understand the effective soil and water conservation practices. Therefore, feasible, easy, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly soil conservation practice is essential in the study area due to existence of severe soil erosion. The objective of the study was to investigate the farmers' adoption of Vetiver grass hedgerows for soil and water conservation in Haru district, Western Ethiopia. The data were collected through questionnaire survey; FGD (Focus Group Discussion), KII (Key Informant Interview) and observation. Quantitative and qualitative sources of data were used for the study. Both primary and secondary types of data were also employed in this study. The quantitative data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 20 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Whereas, the qualitative data were analyzed by descriptive narrations. Majority of respondents reported that soil erosion exists on their farmland at different degrees which hinders crop productivity. The study confirms that 71.3% of respondents practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation, whereas, 28.7% of respondents do not practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. There is statistically significant association between knowledge of households and the use of Vetiver grass, which influences their willingness to practice. The study indicated that sex, age, educational status and family size of sample respondents have showed statistically significant association with farmers' practice of Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. Whereas, marital status, source of income and farmland size have no significant association with the practice. Moreover, awareness creation among local community, facilitating training and initiating farmers on usage of Vetiver grass and experience sharing among users and other farmers within the kebele administration was suggested.
This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m 2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use systems (cultivated land, natural forest, and plantation forest. While Organic carbon (OC), Total nitrogen (TN), and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C: N) did not show significance difference among land-use systems in the watershed. The study has concluded that different land-use practices had a positive impact on sustaining species diversity, richness, and improve soil properties. Therefore, the study suggests that improving and expanding home garden agroforestry practices in the area are indispensable for environmental protection and soil fertility enhancement.
JOURNAL OF DEGRADED AND MINING LANDS MANAGEMENT, 2020
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of level soil bund stabilized with Vetiver gra... more This study was conducted to investigate the effect of level soil bund stabilized with Vetiver grass and soil bund age on selected soil physicochemical properties on Somodo watershed, Jimma Zone, Southwestern , Ethiopia. A reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify a representative sampling site. From the selected sampling site croplands with level soil bund aged three years, six years and adjacent untreated cropland were identified. A total of 108 composite soil samples (3 treatments * 6 replications * 2 depths * 3 zones) were collected. Soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory analysis. Ages of level soil bund (LSB) significantly affected SMC (soil moisture content) (p<0.01), BD (bulk density) (p<0.01), and SOC (soil organic carbon) (p<0.01). Zones showed significant difference in sand content (p<0.05), SMC (p<0.01), BD (p<0.05) and SOC (p<0.01). Moreover, the soil depths also significantly influenced silt content (p<.05), SMC (p<.01), BD (p<0.01), SOC (p<0.01), TN (total nitrogen) (p<0.01), Av.-P (available phosphorous) (p<0.01) and CEC (p<0.05). The interaction effect of the age of LSB with zone was significant for SOC (P<0.05). To sum up, the effect of the constructed level soil bund had a positive impact on selected soil physicochemical properties of the site. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to maintain the structure to sustain the effectiveness and scale up the technology to other watersheds with similar agroecology of the country. Further study is encouraged to understand more about the effect of the slope and Vetiver grass bund stabilization role independently on selected soil properties.
This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use syst...
This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m 2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use systems (cultivated land, natural forest, and plantation forest. While Organic carbon (OC), Total nitrogen (TN), and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C: N) did not show significance difference among land-use systems in the watershed. The study has concluded that different land-use practices had a positive impact on sustaining species diversity, richness, and improve soil properties. Therefore, the study suggests that improving and expanding home garden agroforestry practices in the area are indispensable for environmental protection and soil fertility enhancement.
American Journal of Environmental Protection , 2020
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical soil and water conservation (S... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical soil and water conservation (SWC) structures and slope gradients on soil properties and to identify factors affecting farmer's adoption of the SWC practices. Cropland treated with level soil bund, fanya juu, and adjacent cropland without conservation structures were considered along the three slope gradients. A total of 27 soil samples were collected from the top 20 cm soil depth in 'X' design square plot with a length of 10m x 10m and replicated three times. A total of 120 households (HH) were randomly selected among which 48.3% were adopters and 51.7% were non-adopters of SWC structures. The collected soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures and a total of 10 variables were fitted in the logistic regression model. The result of the analysis revealed that sand fraction (%), SOC (%), TN (%), CEC (meq/100gm), and pH (H 2 O) were showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences between cropland treated with conservation structures and control plots; however, available P (ppm) did not show significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation. With regard to slope gradient, soil textural fractions sand (%), Silt (%) and Clay (%), and CEC (meq/100gm) were showed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). While BD (g cm-3), SMC (%), SOC (%), TN (%), and available P (ppm) did not significantly differ along the slope. The result of the model also showed that the explanatory variables; age, education level, family size, landholding, farm experience, availability of labor shortage, and extension service were significantly affected the adoption of SWC practices by the farmers. On the other hand; sex, marital status, and livestock holding were not significantly affected farmers' adoption of SWC practice. Therefore, scaling up of the soil bund for the area is necessary and building capacity, providing training and experience-sharing through field days for farmers is essential. Moreover, further investigation is encouraged on the integrated effect of physical and biological SWC practice and its socioeconomic aspects for a better understanding of the effect of sustainable use of the land.
Soil erosion is one of the most series problems for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. There is... more Soil erosion is one of the most series problems for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. There is a need to understand the effective soil and water conservation practices. Therefore, feasible, easy, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly soil conservation practice is essential in the study area due to existence of severe soil erosion. The objective of the study was to investigate the farmers' adoption of Vetiver grass hedgerows for soil and water conservation in Haru district, Western Ethiopia. The data were collected through questionnaire survey; FGD (Focus Group Discussion), KII (Key Informant Interview) and observation. Quantitative and qualitative sources of data were used for the study. Both primary and secondary types of data were also employed in this study. The quantitative data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 20 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Whereas, the qualitative data were analyzed by descriptive narrations. Majority of respondents reported that soil erosion exists on their farmland at different degrees which hinders crop productivity. The study confirms that 71.3% of respondents practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation, whereas, 28.7% of respondents do not practice Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. There is statistically significant association between knowledge of households and the use of Vetiver grass, which influences their willingness to practice. The study indicated that sex, age, educational status and family size of sample respondents have showed statistically significant association with farmers' practice of Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation. Whereas, marital status, source of income and farmland size have no significant association with the practice. Moreover, awareness creation among local community, facilitating training and initiating farmers on usage of Vetiver grass and experience sharing among users and other farmers within the kebele administration was suggested.
This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect... more This study was conducted in Somodo Watershed to investigate the land-use practices and its effect on species diversity and selected soil properties. Field observation was carried out to identify existing land-use practices following a transect line. A total of 20 plots (10 × 10) m 2 were sampled from plots exhibiting different land-use practices found in the watershed in order to evaluate species richness and diversity. Soil samples were also collected from each plot. The soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in species diversity and richness among different land-use practices. Coffea arabica was dominant in homestead gardens and natural forests while Grevillea robusta showed had maximum richness in plantations and farm forests in the Watershed. Furthermore, home garden agroforestry practice was significantly (p<0.05) affected soil pH compared to other land-use systems (cultivated land, natural forest, and plantation forest. While Organic carbon (OC), Total nitrogen (TN), and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C: N) did not show significance difference among land-use systems in the watershed. The study has concluded that different land-use practices had a positive impact on sustaining species diversity, richness, and improve soil properties. Therefore, the study suggests that improving and expanding home garden agroforestry practices in the area are indispensable for environmental protection and soil fertility enhancement.
JOURNAL OF DEGRADED AND MINING LANDS MANAGEMENT, 2020
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of level soil bund stabilized with Vetiver gra... more This study was conducted to investigate the effect of level soil bund stabilized with Vetiver grass and soil bund age on selected soil physicochemical properties on Somodo watershed, Jimma Zone, Southwestern , Ethiopia. A reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify a representative sampling site. From the selected sampling site croplands with level soil bund aged three years, six years and adjacent untreated cropland were identified. A total of 108 composite soil samples (3 treatments * 6 replications * 2 depths * 3 zones) were collected. Soil samples were analyzed following standard laboratory analysis. Ages of level soil bund (LSB) significantly affected SMC (soil moisture content) (p<0.01), BD (bulk density) (p<0.01), and SOC (soil organic carbon) (p<0.01). Zones showed significant difference in sand content (p<0.05), SMC (p<0.01), BD (p<0.05) and SOC (p<0.01). Moreover, the soil depths also significantly influenced silt content (p<.05), SMC (p<.01), BD (p<0.01), SOC (p<0.01), TN (total nitrogen) (p<0.01), Av.-P (available phosphorous) (p<0.01) and CEC (p<0.05). The interaction effect of the age of LSB with zone was significant for SOC (P<0.05). To sum up, the effect of the constructed level soil bund had a positive impact on selected soil physicochemical properties of the site. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to maintain the structure to sustain the effectiveness and scale up the technology to other watersheds with similar agroecology of the country. Further study is encouraged to understand more about the effect of the slope and Vetiver grass bund stabilization role independently on selected soil properties.
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