Effect of Agricultural Land Management Practices on the Selected Soil Quality Indictors: Empirical Evidence from the South Ethiopian Highlands

Abstract

Land degradation is a major challenge that adversely affects soil fertility, agricultural production, and food security. To curb this, different Agricultural land management (ALM) measures are being put into practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of practices on soil quality indicators in Ojoje sub-watershed, Southern Ethiopia Highlands. Judgment sampling techniques were used to collect representative soil samples. Samples were collected at a depth of 0–20cm by using both an auger and a core sampler. A total of 72 composite soil samples were collected from non-treated and treated plots (i.e., land treated for five and ten years with only physical practices and integrated measures). Soil quality indicator tests were done through standard laboratory procedures. One way ANOVA was used to demonstrate statistically significant variation on soil quality indicators. Simple regression analysis was used to explain the proportional variance of soil quality indicators due to ALM measures. The results indicate that treatment types and duration of interventions of ALM practices have significant and positive effects on soil quality indicators (p < 0.05). The effect of ALM practices was stronger when land was treated with integrated Agricultural land management practices; irrespective of the duration of interventions. Hence, integrating ALM practices and maintaining them for the long-term is essential improve soil quality and enhance agricultural productivity in the study watershed.