Status of Soil Acidity under Different Land Use Types and Soil Depths: The Case of Hojje Watershed of Gomibora District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

In the humid regions of Ethiopia, soil productivity and fertility are significantly affected by soil acidity, which is connected to infertility and mineral toxicity. The study aimed to assess the status of soil acidity under different land use types and soil depths in Hojje watershed of Gomibora district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in November 1, 2020. Soil samples (24 nos.) were collected using X-design format from four different land use typeshome garden, cultivated land, grazing land, and Eucalyptus plantation at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). The soil samples were prepared, their physiochemical characteristics were examined, and statistical analysis was performed. The results indicated that the soil under cultivated land and Eucalyptus plantation were strongly acidic (pH 5.15 and 5.32) with mean values of exchangeable acidity (4.6, 4.59 cmol(+) kg−1) and acid saturation percentage (47.85, 46.96%), respectively. The grazing land was moderately acidic (pH 5.63) and home garden soil was slightly acidic (pH 6.67). The home garden soils had statistically significant ( p < 0.01 ) lower exchangeable acidity (0.64 cmol(+) kg−1) and acid saturation percentage (2.61%). Although, soil pH (H2O and KCl), exchangeable acidity, acid saturation percentage, exchangeable base, CEC, and base saturation are significantly ( p < 0.01 ) affected by both the main effect and interaction effects of the two factors. As a result, it is advised to apply lime to the cultivated land to reduce the acidity of the soil for profitable crop production as the amount of acidity is above the tolerance limit for the area’s locally produced crops.

Lead (Pb)-Resistant Bacteria Improve <i>Brassica chinensis</i> Biomass and Reduce Pb Concentration in Pb-Contaminated Soil

“…However, soil pH at the study site was acidic (Table 1). Intensive agriculture leads to soil acidification (decrease in pH) (Abure 2022) and is a sign of land degradation in a watershed (Felix et al 2015). Total Pb in the soil was below the maximum Pb level, which is considered dangerous for agricultural activities (CCME -Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment 1999).…”

The role of red mud and cow manure for sustainable post-gold mining land rehabilitation

“…Ca), exchangeable Potassium (Exch. K), available Phosphorus (P), total soil Nitrogen (N), base saturation (BS) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), as documented by several studies (Abure, 2022;Bouajila et al, 2023). Nonetheless, the paramount application, that is, red mud combined with cow manure (T3R3), culminated in a notable decline in the aforementioned parameters while simultaneously escalating soil pH, exchangeable magnesium (Exch.…”

Acidic soil-tolerant tree species identification

“…This is claimed by Nair, Kumar [15] in that there is little availability of surface and subsurface acidity in the forest and coffee landscape as compared to rubber and coconut land use practices. Abure [16] reported that acidity of soil under home garden was better than eucalyptus plantation land use. This indicated that proper species screening for acidity amelioration technique is pertinent issues.…”