Evaluating Technical Standards of Implemented Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in Jimma Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

Assessment of Design and Constraints of Physical Soil and Water Conservation Structures in respect to the standard in the case of Gidabo sub-basin, Ethiopia

“…For instance, the higher spacing between structures reduced the ability of the structures to hold the peak discharge that can be generated between two consecutive bunds (see Figure 9). According to G. Tesfaye et al (2019) the physical limitations of conservation structures have adverse impacts when it comes to drainage control of structures. A similar result was reported by Engdayehu et al (2016) in the Debre Mewi Watershed, North West Ethiopia.…”

Impact of Physical Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Continued Soil Erosion Reduction and Constraints to Bring Expected Output in Highland of Ethiopia

“…Furthermore, the effectiveness of PSWC measures in reduction of runoff and enhancing moisture storage also influencing due to proper quality and design implementation. Some studies have been conducted on the assessment of dimension and quality of implemented PSWC measures in line with recommended specification by soil and water conservation guideline [18] and its impact on soil moisture storage, runoff as well as soil loss status [20,21,61,71,72]. A study made by Jemberu, et al [61] elaborated that bund structure design should be adapted to local biophysical settings at the catchment level , of which the higher top width ( > 85 cm) and height (> 75 cm) relatively better-enhanced soil porosity and moisture storage (Figure 3).…”

“…Various studies in the highlands of Ethiopia have been reported that physical soil and water conservation measures reduced soil loss due to trapping sediment behind the structures and forming bench terrace of the landscape (Table 2). But the reduction of soil loss or accumulation of sediment achieved under quality layout, design of PSWC measures [21,72], and strong institutional mechanisms in construction and regular maintenance [73]. For example, the impact of PSWC measures on soil loss made by Gebremichael, et al [13] reported that the stone bund on croplands in northern Ethiopia reduced the annual soil loss by 68% (from 57 to 18 tha -1 yr -1 ).…”

“…The inappropriateness of implementing SWC are the main constraints to bring expected change in erosion control and livelihood improvement via land management practices in Ethiopia [21,71,72,89]. For example, Tadele, et al [62] observed that lone implementation of pits and half-moon SWC technologies in degraded hillside areas are effective only for the short rainy season while after long season the structures are filled with sediment and effectiveness of SWC decline quickly in Gerduba Watershed.…”

Evaluation of Technical Standards of Selected Physical Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Community Participation in Sekela, Layguder Watershed, Source of Blue Nile, Northwest Ethiopia

“…On top of this, the majority 86.11% of the vertical intervals between soil bunds in layguder watershed was greater than the minimum technical standards. As the result rainwater accumulated inside the structures, huge amount of runoff can be generated, initiating rill and gully erosion and cause damage to bund embankment and croplands, this requires more labor and budget to overcome the problems [20]. Trenches are large and deep pits constructed along the contour with the main purpose of collecting and storing runoff in order to improve soil moisture that support the growth of plants or recharge ground water.…”