Effect of land use change and soil depth on physico-chemical soil properties in Fagita Lekoma district, Northwestern Ethiopia
摘要
Land use Changes have a significant impact on the physico-chemical properties of soil. Understanding the effects of these changes is essential for sustainable land productivity.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate how different soil properties were impacted by land use transitions and soil depth in Fagita Lekoma district.
MethodsSoil samples were collected from cropland, Acacia decurrens, and Eucalyptus plantations at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) with three replications. A total of 18 samples, comprising disturbed composite and undisturbed core soil samples, underwent standard laboratory analysis. Significant differences in soil parameters across land uses and depths were analyzed using two-way analysis of variancewith mean separation conducted via Fisher’s least significant difference test at p < 0.05.
ResultsThe results highlighted the notable influence of land use types and soil depth on physico-chemical soil properties. Conversion of cropland to an Acacia decurrens plantation significantly increased soil pH [from 5.18 to 5.62 in water (H₂O) and from 4.12 to 4.55 in potassium chloride (KCl) solution] and reduced exchangeable acidity by 3.67 cmol(+)/kg, while available Fe and Mn increased by 6.68 ppm and 7.17 ppm, respectively. Soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) increased by 62.7% (from 33.05 to 53.79 t/ha) under Acacia decurrens compared to cropland. Surface soils (0–20 cm) had higher micronutrients (e.g., Fe: 17.81 vs. 16.77 ppm) and organic carbon (2.09% vs. 1.99%) than subsurface soils (20–40 cm).
ConclusionsThe findings suggest that transitioning cropland to Acacia decurrens cultivation by smallholder farmers can ameliorate soil acidity issues, enhance micronutrient availability, and boost SOCS. Therefore, promoting plantation activities in degraded, acidic croplands is advisable.