Papers by nigussie yeneneh
Environmental systems research, Feb 20, 2024
The problem of soil quality degradation has been becoming more severe in the highlands of Ethiopi... more The problem of soil quality degradation has been becoming more severe in the highlands of Ethiopia due to soil erosion; land use and land cover change, and poor land management. The level of soil quality degradation was not well known and documented in the study area and the results of this study could provide new information to improve soil conditions. The present study was conducted to evaluate soil quality in terms of its physical and chemical fertility under different land use types in the Suha watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 27 composite surface soil samples (0-30 cm) were collected from adjacently located land-uses in three replications from two elevation gradients. Standard procedures were followed to analyze selected soil physical and chemical quality indicators. The differences in the mean values of the parameters were tested using a two-way analysis of variance. In addition, Soil Quality Degradation Index was evaluated to see the direction and magnitude of change in soil quality indicators. The analysis of variance results revealed that soil quality indicators such as index of soil aggregate stability, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and C:N ratio were significantly decreased in the cultivated land use system compared to other land use systems. On the other hand, the content of available Phosphorus was significantly higher in the cultivated land. Soil quality deterioration index values were highly negative for SOC (-71.3%) and TN (-67.7%) in the cultivated land, followed by grazing land (SOM = -35.5% and TN = -27.7%). Aggregated Soil Quality Index values also indicated that the status of soil quality under cultivated fields is rated as low, grazing land as optimal, and forest land as high. Generally, results indicated that land use and cover changes had adverse effects on soil quality indicators. Hence, soil management strategies, mainly Integrated Soil Fertility Management which integrates soil and water conservation strategies, are required to alleviate the problem of soil quality deterioration and improve agricultural productivity.
Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B-soil and Plant Science, Nov 28, 2022
Environmental challenges, Apr 1, 2022
Environmental Systems Research, Oct 28, 2022
Soil erosion accelerated by human activities is a critical challenge affecting soil health, agric... more Soil erosion accelerated by human activities is a critical challenge affecting soil health, agricultural productivity, food security and environmental sustainability in the highlands of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of soil loss and sediment yield potential, and identify soil erosion hotspots using RUSLE with GIS in the Suha watershed, north western highlands of Ethiopia. Digital Elevation Model, LU/LC, rainfall, soil, and conservation practice were used as input data for RUSLE model. The estimated total annual soil loss for the entire watershed increased from 1.22 million tons in 1985 to 2.43 million tons in 2019, with average annual soil loss rates of 15.2 t ha −1 yr −1 and 31.4 t ha−1 yr −1 respectively. Total sediment yield also increased from 317.52 to 630.85 thousand tons over the past 35 years. In addition, the area of soil erosion hotspots changed from 15.2% (12,708 ha) to 32% (25,660 ha) during the same periods. Sub watershed 1, 2, 15, 17, 18, and 23 are severely degraded parts of the watershed. Expansion of agriculture and bare land as the expenses of other land use types over the past 35 years could be the major causes of extensive soil erosion risk in the watershed. Besides its temporal variability, soil loss and sediment export also showed variation between land use/cover classes. The estimated results of soil loss and sediment yield as well as soil erosion hotspots revealed that the soil erosion risk is progressively increasing during the study periods. Unless action is taken and the current condition is reversed, it will critically threat the livelihoods of the community in the watershed. Generally, the results underscore urgent demand for integrated and effective watershed management strategies.
Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science
Environmental Systems Research
Soil erosion accelerated by human activities is a critical challenge affecting soil health, agric... more Soil erosion accelerated by human activities is a critical challenge affecting soil health, agricultural productivity, food security and environmental sustainability in the highlands of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of soil loss and sediment yield potential, and identify soil erosion hotspots using RUSLE with GIS in the Suha watershed, north western highlands of Ethiopia. Digital Elevation Model, LU/LC, rainfall, soil, and conservation practice were used as input data for RUSLE model. The estimated total annual soil loss for the entire watershed increased from 1.22 million tons in 1985 to 2.43 million tons in 2019, with average annual soil loss rates of 15.2 t ha−1 yr−1 and 31.4 t ha−1 yr−1 respectively. Total sediment yield also increased from 317.52 to 630.85 thousand tons over the past 35 years. In addition, the area of soil erosion hotspots changed from 15.2% (12,708 ha) to 32% (25,660 ha) during the same periods. Sub watershed 1, 2, 15, 17, 18, and...
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Papers by nigussie yeneneh