Determining Fertility Status of soil at Different land uses at Koka Watershed Tembaro Woreda, Central Ethiopian

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 10 17
    By

    Zerihun Achiso,

  • Tsadiku Bamud,

  1. Soil Chemistry and Laboratory Associate Researcher, South Ethiopian Agriculture Research Centre Areka Research Centre, Areka, Ethiopia
  2. Soil Fertility Associate Researcher, South Ethiopian Agriculture Research Centre Areka Research Centre, Areka, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Central Ethiopia, Tembaro Woreda, for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, at Bohe and Bachira Kebeles within the Omo River Basin in the Koka watershed. The objectives of this study were to determine the fertility status of different land uses at the study sites. The study results indicate that soil at the study site ranges from moderately acidic to slightly acidic, with low to moderate levels of organic carbon, low to medium total nitrogen and available P, medium to high CEC, moderate levels of Ca, Mg, K, and Na, and optimum amounts of micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. Soil nutrients at the study site range from 5.67–6.55 for pH, 0.04–0.31dS/m for EC, 4.19–6.11% for OC, 0.35–0.53% for TN, 11.2–23.4ppm for available P, and 15–27 meq/100g for CEC; average concentrations for these parameters were 6.11, 0.18dS/m, 5.35%, 0.44%, 17.3ppm, and 21 meq/100g, respectively. Particle size distribution percentages range from 19% to 35% for sand, 32% to 48% for clay, and 22% to 46% for silt; average percentages of sand, clay, and silt were 28.1%, 42.8%, and 29.1%, respectively. Soil textural classes fall between clay and clay loam for the selected croplands. Results show that enset and faba-bean-cultivated land had better nutrient status than other croplands like sorghum, wheat, and maize. Micronutrient levels were optimum across all land-use types. The study concludes that alternative cultivation can improve soil fertility and production while leading to food security.

Keywords: Central Ethiopia, land uses, soil fertility, Tembaro Woreda, watershed

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Zerihun Achiso, Tsadiku Bamud. Determining Fertility Status of soil at Different land uses at Koka Watershed Tembaro Woreda, Central Ethiopian. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(02):10-17.
How to cite this URL:
Zerihun Achiso, Tsadiku Bamud. Determining Fertility Status of soil at Different land uses at Koka Watershed Tembaro Woreda, Central Ethiopian. Research & Reviews : Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2026; 15(02):10-17. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoast/article=2026/view=247690


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 20/12/2025
Accepted 13/01/2026
Published 26/06/2026
Publication Time 188 Days
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