CHARACTERIZATION, CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING OF SOILS OF MEGECHA MICRO-WATERSHED, EZHA DISTRICT, GURAGE ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The study was conducted at Megecha Micro-Watershed Ezha District in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Because of a diversified geography, climatic conditions, and geology, Ethiopia has a variety of soil resources which were studied at small scales 1:250,000, with high levels of generalization. Site specific soil characterization and classification can serve as initial step in creating baseline information for developing land use planning and management practices. Therefore purpose of this study was to characterize, classify and mapping soils of Megecha micro-watershed, to generate baseline information, for formulating the management alternatives for different soil types identified. Four representatives Pedon were opened at the upper, middle and low slope position and soil field description was made. A total of 17 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from each genetic horizon. The results of the study revealed that color, consistency, texture, bulk density (BD) and of the soils varied with the slope position and soil depth. Lower BD, darker red color and soft (dry) consistency were observed at the upper slope position whereas higher BD, very dark gray color and hard (dry) consistence were observed in the low slope areas. The depth of the soils was very deep (200+cm) and the textural classes varied from silt to clay, Soil reaction (pH)(5.3 to 6.3) categorized by moderately acid to slightly acidic, Soil organic carbon (SOC)(0.58 to 2.99%) content was categorized as low to high, Available Phosphorus (P) (0.28 –1.20 mg kg-1 ) was rated as inadequate range, Total Nitrogen (N) (0.02 to 0.27% ) content was rated as very Low to high, C: N ratio varies from (6.43 to 29) ) and found in low to high range, Soil CEC varied from (5 - 47 cmolc kg-1) categorized as very low to very high and PBS (19.19 to 87. 19%) was categorized as very low to very high. Regarding the soil classification Pedon 1 classified as Chromic Alisols (Epidystric), Pedon 2, Chromic Alisols (Dystric), Pedon 3 Hablic Alisols (Dystric) and Pedon 4 Pellic Vertisols (Hypereutric).The soilmap was developed for these identified soils types. Thus, in introducing new agricultural technologies like application of lime, use vermin compost and soil and water conservation practices were needed to the study area, the local variations in soils should be considered for a sustainable agricultural development.