Abstract:
Soil erosion is one of the main problems limiting the production, productivity, and income of
rural farm households in Ethiopia. The study was initiated to assess the effect of soil and water
conservation measures on selected soil physical and chemical property and factors that affect
the adoption of soil and water conservation in Arjejo micro- watershed in Dire Enchini District.
The primary data was collected from different households, focus groups discussion, key
informant interviews and field observation. The other data was collected from laboratory
analysis of soil samples and secondary data were collected from Dire Enchini Agricultural
office. Soil samples were from the upper, middle, and lower slopes of the micro-watershed, by
using “X” sampling design. A total of 18 composite soil samples from (0 - 30 cm) depth for both
conserved and un-conserved lands were collected to laboratory analysis. The data collected was
subjected to analyze by using SPSS software packages version 20. Date were analyzed by using
binary logistic regression model, descriptive statics and ANOVA were by using least significant
difference (LSD) at p < 0.05.The survey finding of soil Physical property were showed that the
mean values of soil texture were 47.15%, 30.21% and 22.85% were sand, clay and silt in
conserved and 51.85%, 26.92% and 21.22% were sand, clay and silt in non-conserved
respectively. Soil moisture content was 5.49% and 5.14%; bulk density was 1. 18 gcm-3 and 1.39
gcm
-3. The chemical property of soil were organic carbon 3.05% and 2.09%; soil organic
matter5.20% .and 3.62; pH 5.49 and 4.77; cation exchange capacity19.27cmolc/kg and
17.72cmolc/kg; available phosphorus 17.82ppm and 14.70ppm; available potassium
342.11mg/kg and 326.65mg/kg; total nitrogen TN 0.21% and 0.16% from conserved and nonconserved micro-watershed respectively, and results has significant difference between
conserved and non-conserved sub watersheds. Educational level, family size, and age were
affecting soil and water conservation adoption in b cultivation land. Soil and water conservation
practices have a positive effect on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Increasing
awareness, accountability, and responsibility for farmers who failed to implementation, not
conserve and maintain different soil and water conservation structures.
