Abstract:
Soil characterization and classification under different land use types is essential to provide baseline information on physicochemical properties of soils. A study was conducted at Bulekorma watershed, Borena zone, Ethiopia to characterize and classify soils under different land use types. Three representative pedons were opened on crop, grass and forest lands. The disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from pedons for analysis of soil properties. Also nine composite samples were collected from three land uses at 0-20cm depths for detailed characterization of soils. The soil samples were analyzed with standard laboratory procedures and the results were subjected to Statistical Analysis System. The result showed that textural class of all pedons was clay. The bulk density value increased and total porosity decreased consistently with soil depth in all pedons. pH values of soils in all pedons were categorized under moderately alkaline and increased with soil depth. The values of organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorous (mgkg-1) were categorized as medium in crop land and high in grass and forest land. Ca2+and Mg2+ contents were very high in all pedons; K+ was high in crop land and very high in grass and forest land. Na+ was rated low in crop land, medium in grass land and high in forest land, indicating no sodicity problem in soils of study area. Cation exchange capacity was very high for all soils, whereas, percent base saturation was high in crop land and very high in grass and forest land. The available micronutrients values were categorized as medium Fe in cultivated, high in grass and forest land; medium Mn, high Zn and low Cu were observed in all pedons. Soil of study area was classified as Mollic Vertisols. The mean values of all parameters except EC and Cu showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference among land use types. Generally, total nitrogen, available phosphorous and Cu were limiting and deficient plant nutrients in study site. Therefore, the soils of crop land in study area must be fertilized with N, P and Cu containing fertilizer integrated with organic manures for the susta
