Land degradation is a pervasive problem that negatively influences agricultural productivity in Ethiopia as it cause depletion of soil organic matter. Therefore, implementation of soil and water conservation is believed to mitigate the impacts of soil erosion. An on-farm study was conducted in Arjo Gudetu kebele, Eastern Wollega of Oromia with the objective of evaluating soil and water conservation practices on soil physio chemical properties and productivity of crop lands. The study involves one factor: level soil bund (with and without) was a main plot. The treatment (Treatment1=with bund splited in to 12 and Treatment2 = without splited in to 10) with randomized complete block design. Soil sample were collected at 0-50cm and 30-60cm soil depth and analyzed for selected physical and chemical properties. Yield and yield components of the crops were determined using a quadrant sampling technique 1*1m. The data was analyzed using general linear model procedures and to separate difference between mean LSD (5%) was used. On maize (Zea Mays L.) field, level soil bund increased the mean value of soil moisture contents at 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm soil depth, the grain yield increased by 26% and biomass increased by 22%. On sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) field the mean value of soil moisture content, days to flowering, maturity dates significantly affected and biomass was increased by 8.25%.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background and Justification
1.2. Statement of the problem
1.3. Objective of the study
2. CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1. Description of the study site
2.2. Experimental Design and Treatments
2.3. Land preparation
2.4. Soil sampling and analysis
2.4.1. Soil physical analysis
2.4.2. Analysis of Soil Chemical Properties
2.5. Agronomic Data Collection
2.5.1. Vegetative Growth Parameter
2.5.2. Yield and Yield Components
2.6. Data analysis
3. CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Soil physical properties
3.1.1. Soil moisture contents of crop lands
3.2. Soil chemical properties
3.2.1 Soil (pH)
3.2.2. Total nitrogen (TN)
3.2.3. Available phosphorus (AvP)
3.2.4. Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
3.2.5. Organic carbon
3.3. Effects of level soil bund on yield and yield components of maize and sorghum
3.3.1. Effects of level soil bund on maize growth parameters
4. CONCUSSIONS
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to evaluate the impact of level soil bunds on soil physical and chemical properties as well as the productivity of maize and sorghum crops in the Arjo Gudetu kebele region, addressing the critical challenge of land degradation and food insecurity in Ethiopia.
- Evaluation of level soil bunds as a water and nutrient conservation strategy.
- Analysis of soil physical properties, specifically soil moisture content at varying depths.
- Assessment of soil chemical properties including pH, total nitrogen, and organic carbon.
- Measurement of agronomic performance and yield components for maize and sorghum.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Background and Justification
Land degradation is serious problem in Ethiopia. The average annual rate of soil loss in the country is estimated to be 12 tons ha-1 every years and it can be even higher 300 tons ha-1 every years on steep slopes and in places where the vegetation cover is low (Abera, 2003). A recent study demonstrated that loss of plant nutrients with eroded sediments from the fragile ecosystems in western Ethiopia following the conversion to agricultural use resulted in a significant yield reduction with an immediate harm to the income of the farm due to the loss of N and P, respectively (Erkossa et al., 2015). This leads to low crop productivity and food insecurity in the area.
Considering the background problems enumerated above on soil erosion, proper soil and water conservation becomes imperative. One way of controlling the adverse effect of soil degradation is adopting the appropriate technology which prevents soil erosion. Soil conservation activities can change the physical conditions of the soil like soil structure, water holding capacity, soil bulk density, soil porosity and its workability (Erkossa, 2005; Gete, 2000). However, lack of evaluating the effects of SWC on the crop land down the process of adoption and replicating such structures. This study was conducted to establish empirical evidence regarding the productivity impact of level soil bund on maize and sorghum production by conserving water and plant nutrients.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the severity of land degradation in Ethiopia and establishes the study's objective to assess the productivity benefits of level soil bunds.
CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS: Describes the experimental site, the randomized complete block design used for the trial, and the procedures for soil sampling and agronomic data collection.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Presents the findings regarding soil moisture improvements and the statistically significant impact of level soil bunds on crop yield components for maize and sorghum.
CONCUSSIONS: Summarizes that level soil bunds significantly enhance soil moisture, leading to improved soil fertility indicators and increased grain and biomass yields for the studied crops.
Keywords
Soil and water conservation, Level soil bund, Land degradation, Maize, Sorghum, Soil moisture, Crop productivity, Soil physical properties, Soil chemical properties, Total nitrogen, Organic carbon, Ethiopia, Sustainable agriculture, Yield components, Agronomy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of level soil bunds as a soil and water conservation measure on the physical and chemical properties of soil and the subsequent productivity of maize and sorghum.
What are the core research themes?
The key themes include land degradation, soil moisture management, soil fertility parameters (like pH and nitrogen), and crop yield optimization in the Ethiopian highlands.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to determine if implementing level soil bunds provides empirical evidence of improved agricultural productivity through better water and plant nutrient conservation.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
An on-farm study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), comparing crop plots with and without level soil bunds, followed by statistical analysis using the general linear model (GLM) and LSD tests.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the description of the study area, experimental design, land preparation techniques, soil laboratory analysis methods, and detailed results regarding physical and chemical soil changes and crop growth parameters.
How would you characterize the study's keywords?
The study is characterized by keywords relating to soil conservation technology, specific agricultural products (maize, sorghum), and soil health metrics such as nitrogen and organic carbon content.
How does the implementation of level soil bunds affect maize maturity?
The study found that level soil bunds contribute to increased soil moisture, which results in delayed physiological maturity compared to non-conserved control plots.
What impact did the conservation structures have on sorghum biomass?
The results showed an increase in dry biomass of 8.25% in sorghum fields where level soil bunds were implemented compared to the controlled, non-conserved plots.
Why are level soil bunds considered beneficial for long-term land management?
They create barriers against surface runoff, reduce slope length and gradient, and preserve soil moisture and nutrients, which in turn improves crop growth and yield potential.
- Quote paper
- Dessalegn Etana (Author), 2019, Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Practice on Soil phsico-chemical properties, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/507051
