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Effects of Different Land-use Managements on Soil Fertility Status in Rift Valley Areas of Gamo-Konso Massifs, Ethiopia
YADDA, TA & ZEBIRE, DA
Abstract
Understanding soil properties and their productiveness under different land use management have
proved to be useful for sustainable development and efficient utilization of limited land resources. A systematic soil survey
was made for the first time in the Ethiopian Rift valley flat plain areas of Gamo-Konso Massifs. The objectives were to:
(1) identify the land uses and their role on soil physicochemical properties under varying climatic conditions; (2) assess
the nature and extent of soil salinity problems; (3) identify best land use management practices. Annual crops (AA);
perennial crops (AP), and Natural Forest (NF) land-uses were identified. The result showed organic carbon (OC) and
total nitrogen (TN) were varied along different land uses. Generally, OC, TN, percentage base saturation, exchangeable
(potassium, calcium and magnesium), available, phosphorus (P2O5), manganese, copper and iron contents decreased in
cultivated areas. The AA has less nutrient content compared to AP in irrigated agriculture while in AP it is greater than
AA under rainfed. Clay, TN, P2O5 and available potassium (K2O) contents were correlated positively and highly
significantly with OC and electrical conductivity (EC). In conclusion, the study revealed that most of the soil properties
are influenced by land use management. Therefore, it could be recommended to include management practices that
increase OC and TN in the system, when the land is continuously cultivated. Reclamation of the areas should start by
considering available options like crop rotation as a good means of management.
Keywords
Land use management; soil fertility soil nutrient; soil physicochemical properties.
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