Effect Of Soil And Water Conservation Practices On Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties And Farmers` Adoption Perception On The Practices In Dire Inchini District, Oromia, Ethiopia

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.