A Comparative Analysis of Morpho-Physicochemical Properties of Soils of Ifa Galano Micro-Watershed, South-West Ethiopia

Abstract

Effective soil management requires an understanding of soil morphology and physicochemical properties. The detailed description, characterization, and classification of soils are important criteria for soil management. The purpose of this study was to assess the morphological, physical, and chemical properties of soils in the Ifa Galano micro-watershed of the Sayo district. Four pedons were opened and analyzed for specific parameters to achieve these goals. Soils were classified after their morphological properties were studied in the field and their physicochemical properties were studied in the laboratory. The pedons were over 150cm deep. Except for pedon 4, the surface soil structure was granular, with a friable to firm consistency and clay texture. The soils were classified as very strongly acidic to moderately acidic with low to medium organic carbon. The total N content of the pedon studied ranged from low to high and decreased with depth and the soil available phosphorous was very low to low. The soil CEC was high while PBS ranged from low to medium. Most extracted micronutrients were high to very high except copper which was low in almost all pedons. Based on identified morphological, physical and chemical properties; the studied soil pedons were classified as Hyperdystric Nitisols (pedon 1 and 4), Umbric Nitisols (pedon 2) and Rhodic Alisols (pedon 3). Gener- ally, the depth, land use types and topography of the site influence most of the selected soil properties. The pH readings of the soil at the study site indicate that there is an acidity problem in the soil. This acidity may limit soil productivity and crop yield. As a result, amendments such as lime, biochar, FYM, compost, vermi- compost, inorganic fertilisers, and their combinations should be required to reduce acidity, resulting in sus- tainable agriculture