Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia
The characterization and classification of soils in irrigable areas are crucial for understanding soil types and nutrient status, which in turn help to optimize crop yield and to design soil management strategies. This research aimed to characterize and classify soils in the Achewa small-scale irrig...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Soil Science |
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| author | Wasihun Mengiste Dereje Tsegaye Samuel Dagalo Teshome Yitbareke |
| author_facet | Wasihun Mengiste Dereje Tsegaye Samuel Dagalo Teshome Yitbareke |
| author_sort | Wasihun Mengiste |
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| description | The characterization and classification of soils in irrigable areas are crucial for understanding soil types and nutrient status, which in turn help to optimize crop yield and to design soil management strategies. This research aimed to characterize and classify soils in the Achewa small-scale irrigation area in Itang special district of southwest Gambella, Ethiopia. Representative pits were excavated at three slope locations, and soil profiles were examined and described directly in the field. To classify soil types, the WRB for Soil Resources guidelines were used. Across horizons, texture classes varied from clay loam to clay, whereas bulk density was within acceptable limits for mineral agricultural soils. Additionally, soil pH ranged from neutral to moderately alkaline. Organic matter content varied among topography positions, with values of 3.78%, 2.96%, and 2.85% at pedons 2 and 3 in the study area. Total nitrogen content was classified as low in pedon 3 and medium on the other two pedons, whereas available phosphorus content was classified as very high in all slope positions. Soil CEC and PBS were high and very high across all slope positions, with the dominant soluble cations being Calcium followed by magnesium, potassium, and sodium and extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were high to medium. Based on morphological, physical, and chemical analysis three soil types were identified: Eutric Fluvisols (Loamic), Pellic Vertisols (Gilgaic, Hypereutric), and Haplic Vertisols (Gilgaic). Therefore, implementing site-specific soil management techniques is recommended to enhance and sustain soil fertility and optimize crop and vegetable production, for ensuring long-term soil productivity in the study area. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1efdb34f6d2849bc95022397cf5314e1 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-8619 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Soil Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-1efdb34f6d2849bc95022397cf5314e12025-01-31T11:19:07ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Soil Science2673-86192025-01-01410.3389/fsoil.2024.14512711451271Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, EthiopiaWasihun Mengiste0Dereje Tsegaye1Samuel Dagalo2Teshome Yitbareke3College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCollege of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaFaculty Water Resources Engineering and Irrigation Engineering, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaDepartment of Natural Resources Management, Wolkite University, Wolkite, EthiopiaThe characterization and classification of soils in irrigable areas are crucial for understanding soil types and nutrient status, which in turn help to optimize crop yield and to design soil management strategies. This research aimed to characterize and classify soils in the Achewa small-scale irrigation area in Itang special district of southwest Gambella, Ethiopia. Representative pits were excavated at three slope locations, and soil profiles were examined and described directly in the field. To classify soil types, the WRB for Soil Resources guidelines were used. Across horizons, texture classes varied from clay loam to clay, whereas bulk density was within acceptable limits for mineral agricultural soils. Additionally, soil pH ranged from neutral to moderately alkaline. Organic matter content varied among topography positions, with values of 3.78%, 2.96%, and 2.85% at pedons 2 and 3 in the study area. Total nitrogen content was classified as low in pedon 3 and medium on the other two pedons, whereas available phosphorus content was classified as very high in all slope positions. Soil CEC and PBS were high and very high across all slope positions, with the dominant soluble cations being Calcium followed by magnesium, potassium, and sodium and extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were high to medium. Based on morphological, physical, and chemical analysis three soil types were identified: Eutric Fluvisols (Loamic), Pellic Vertisols (Gilgaic, Hypereutric), and Haplic Vertisols (Gilgaic). Therefore, implementing site-specific soil management techniques is recommended to enhance and sustain soil fertility and optimize crop and vegetable production, for ensuring long-term soil productivity in the study area.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2024.1451271/fullcharacterizationirrigable landsoil classificationsoil profileslope |
| spellingShingle | Wasihun Mengiste Dereje Tsegaye Samuel Dagalo Teshome Yitbareke Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia Frontiers in Soil Science characterization irrigable land soil classification soil profile slope |
| title | Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia |
| title_full | Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia |
| title_short | Characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of Achewa small-scale irrigation area, Itang special district, southwest Gambella, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | characterization and classification of soils in the irrigable land of achewa small scale irrigation area itang special district southwest gambella ethiopia |
| topic | characterization irrigable land soil classification soil profile slope |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2024.1451271/full |
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