The review focuses on the importance of soil and water conservation practices on soil properties in Ethiopia. The study conducted in various parts of the country showed that the implemented soil bund reduced annual runoff and soil loss at different rates. Soil and water conservation have improved the soil physicochemical properties on conserved cropland (BD, SMC, infiltration rate, clay content, pH, CEC, av. K, av. P, SOC and TN) than in the adjacent cropland without soil and water conservation measures.
Soil and water conservation, reduce the removal of fertile topsoil and improves soil moisture, which favors crop growth as a result grain yield of the crops were increased at various rates based on agro ecology, crop type and local management practices. In general, the effect of constructed soil and water conservation had clearly showed positive impact on soil physicochemical properties and crop yields. Therefore, to reduce soil erosion sustainably, different soil and water conservation options should be introduced and used considering agro ecology, socio-economic profile and climatic condition of the intervention area.
Soil erosion is one of the several major deteriorative processes which results in soil degradation and declining agricultural productivity in Ethiopia due to dense population, high livestock density and intensive crop production in the area. Soil and water conservation practice is one the mechanism used to reduce soil and associated nutrient loss; thus, reduce the risk of production. Efforts were started through soil and water conservation strategy at a large scale on farmland since the mid-1970 and 1980’s. However, soil erosion still persists and become major threats of the Ethiopian region.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.2. Methods of Review
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Over View of Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation in Ethiopia
2.2. Type of Soil and Water Conservation Measures
2.2.1. Agronomic soil and water conservation measures
2.2.2. Biological Soil and Water Conservation Measures
2.2.3. Physical Soil and Water Conservation Measures
2.3. Role of Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Soil Properties
2.3.1. Role of Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Chemical Properties of Soil
2.3.2. Role of Soil and Water Conservation on Physical Properties of Soil
3. CONCLUSION AND THE WAY FORWARD
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this review is to synthesize existing literature on the impact of various soil and water conservation (SWC) practices on soil physicochemical properties and agricultural productivity in Ethiopia, identifying how these measures help mitigate soil erosion and improve crop yields.
- The influence of agronomic, biological, and physical SWC measures on soil quality.
- Mechanisms through which conservation practices improve soil nutrient status and moisture.
- Challenges in the adoption and implementation of conservation strategies in Ethiopian agro-ecological zones.
- Analysis of the relationship between SWC structures and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Excerpt from the Book
1. INTRODUCTION
Agricultural production in the arid and semi-arid areas are highly dependent on rainfall because water for irrigation is scarce or farmers cannot afford the technology. In order to have successful rainfed crop production in such areas, rain water conservation is essential (Barron et al., 2003). The success of on-farm soil water conservation however depends upon many soil factors such as soil bulk density, porosity, soil surface sealing and crusting, surface roughness, hardpans, hydraulic conductivity, and infiltration rates as they determine the hydrological properties of soil (Strudley et al., 2008).
Agriculture is the main sector of the Ethiopian economy and contributes approximately 42% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs over 80% of the population (MoFED 2010; Diao 2010; ATA 2013). Despite its role, agricultural production is constrained by high climate variability where rainfall distribution is extremely uneven both spatially and temporally, and this has negative implications for the livelihoods of people (Georgis et al., 2010). Drought frequently results in crop failure, while high rainfall intensities result in low infiltration and high runoff causing enhanced soil erosion and land degradation. Land degradation in the form of soil erosion and declining land fertility is a serious challenge to agricultural productivity and economic growth (Lemenih 2004).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter highlights the critical dependency of Ethiopian agriculture on rainfed production and the significant threat posed by soil erosion and land degradation to economic growth.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW: This section provides an extensive overview of soil erosion dynamics in Ethiopia and categorizes various conservation measures, including agronomic, biological, and physical approaches, while detailing their specific impacts on soil chemical and physical properties.
3. CONCLUSION AND THE WAY FORWARD: This chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that while structural SWC measures effectively reduce runoff, their success is often limited by top-down implementation; it concludes with recommendations for better integration and standardized practices.
Keywords
Soil and water conservation, Soil properties, Soil erosion, Land degradation, Ethiopia, Agronomic measures, Physical structures, Biological conservation, Agricultural productivity, Soil fertility, Runoff, Soil moisture, Sustainable agriculture, Integrated management, Agro-ecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper reviews the effectiveness of different soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in Ethiopia and their specific impact on improving soil physicochemical properties to enhance agricultural productivity.
What are the main categories of conservation measures discussed?
The work classifies SWC measures into three main types: agronomic measures (such as mulching and contour tillage), biological measures (such as natural vegetative strips), and physical measures (such as stone bunds and terraces).
What is the central research question addressed in this review?
The research examines how the implementation of various SWC measures influences soil nutrient status, hydrological properties, and overall land productivity in the context of Ethiopia's diverse agro-ecological zones.
What methodology was utilized for this study?
The study employed a qualitative methodological approach, involving the search and synthesis of relevant peer-reviewed articles, institutional publications, and academic theses from databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body focuses on the current state of soil erosion in Ethiopia, a detailed breakdown of different conservation technologies, and an evidence-based analysis of how these technologies affect chemical properties like SOC, TN, and pH, as well as physical properties like bulk density and moisture content.
Which specific keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include soil and water conservation, soil properties, land degradation, Ethiopia, agronomic measures, physical structures, and agricultural sustainability.
Why did many past conservation projects in Ethiopia fail to meet expectations?
The review identifies several reasons for failure, including a top-down planning approach, a lack of community involvement, poor integration of local knowledge, and high implementation costs that are not affordable for low-income households.
How do physical conservation structures impact soil moisture?
Physical structures like soil bunds and terraces increase the concentration time of water, which encourages greater infiltration into the soil profile and helps maintain moisture, thereby buffering crops against periods of water deficit.
- Quote paper
- Anteneh Asfaw (Author), 2021, The Role of Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Soil Properties Improvement in Ethiopia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1033428
