Evaluation of Soil Cations in Agricultural Soils of East Wollega Zone in South Western Ethiopia
Journal Title: STAR Journal - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the status of soil exchangeable cations, aluminum, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, in agricultural soils of East Wollega Zone of South Western Ethiopia. A total of 353 soil samples were collected in 2011and 2012 G.C from 0-20cm depth. Five representative districts of East Wollega zone were selected purposively. Samples were collected from farmers’ crop fields. Samples were analyzed at Nekemte Soil Research Center Laboratory. Soils were analyzed for pH, exchangeable acidity and bases. Effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was determined by summation and cations saturations were calculated. Data were analyzed by SAS software. Mean soil pH ranged from 4.88-5.25. Mean exchangeable acidity ranged from 3.25-5.55 cmol(+)/kg. Mean exchangeable calcium also ranged from 3.25-4.55 cmol(+)/kg. Mean exchangeable magnesium and potassium ranged from 3.02-7.66 cmol(+)/kg and 0.37-1.59cmol(+)/kg, respectively, while mean ECEC ranged from 9.81-12.88 cmol(+)/kg. Acidic, basic, calcium, magnesium and potassium saturations ranged from 30-43, 50-62, 24-61 and 4-11 %, respectively. Calcium, magnesium and potassium saturation percentages ranged from medium to high. Regression analysis showed soil acidity and exchangeable basic cations were significantly correlated. Mean soil pH, exchangeable acidity, calcium and potassium in study soils were rated as very strongly to strongly acidic, very high, low, and low to marginal, respectively. However, exchangeable magnesium was rated as high. Acid saturation was very high while basic cation saturations were in optimum ranges. The soils are infertile due to high acidity and low contents of calcium and potassium. The major crops are grown in stressed soil environment. Modeling lime, calcium and potassium rate for site specific recommendations and development of broad spectrum technologies such as acid tolerant crop varieties can be solutions for sustainable use of soils for agriculture in East Wollega zone.
Authors and Affiliations
Abdenna Deressa| Wollega University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Department of Soil Resource and Watershed Management, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia, Bikila Bote| Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Nekemte Soil Research Center, P.O. Box 587, Nekemte, Ethiopia, Hirpa Legesse| Wollega University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, Department of Plant Science, P.O. Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia
Keywords
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- EP ID EP9500
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4314%2Fstar.v2i1.98836
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