scholarly journals Soil Properties as Affected by Soil Conservation Practices and Soil Depths in Uwite Watershed, Hadero Tunto District, Southern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Hadaro ◽  
Tuma Ayele ◽  
Sharma Parshotam Datt ◽  
Rahel Teshome
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Subsurface Layer ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Environmental Stability ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Conservation Practice

Soil is a precious natural resource, forming the basis for sustained ecosystem services for the mankind. Its degradation due to the ever-increasing anthropogenic influence is, however, threatening food security and quality of the environment in many regions. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken with an objective of assessing the effect of soil and water conservation practices of soil bund and Fanya juu terrace compared to no conservation practice on cultivated soils of Uwite watershed in Hadero Tunto District, southern Ethiopia. Soil sampling sites were selected both from the farm fields, where soil conservation structures were raised for the last 10 years, and from fields where there was no conservation practice. A total of eighteen composite soil samples (3 conservation practices × 2 depths, 0–15 and 15–30 cm, ×3 replicates) were collected and analyzed for different physical and chemical soil parameters. The results were subjected to analysis of variance using the General Linear Model of two-way ANOVA by RCBD with factorial arrangement using SAS software. Both practices, statistically similar to each other, indicated significant improvement in soil parameters compared to no conservation practice in higher content of clay, lower bulk density, higher total porosity, higher moisture content, higher pH, higher soil organic matter, higher percent base saturation, higher cation exchange capacity, and higher amounts of macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Cu). The surface soil layer (0–15 cm) was significantly superior to the subsurface layer (15–30 cm) in most of these soil parameters. Both practices of soil bund and Fanya juu terrace merit their continuation on the existing lands and upscaling to other degraded areas for sustained land productivity and socioeconomic-environmental stability in the region

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Community-Based Soil and Water Conservation in Improving Soil Property in Damota Area, Southern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mamush Masha ◽  
Teshome Yirgu ◽  
Mulugeta Debele ◽  
Mengie Belayneh
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Soil And Water Conservation ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Soil And Water

Soil and water conservation (SWC) is being advocated as an integral part of agricultural land management as it not only controls/minimizes soil erosion but also restores/rehabilitates the degraded lands. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of soil and water conservation practices in improving soil fertility in the agricultural landscapes of the Damota area, southern Ethiopia. Forty-eight soil samples (both disturbed and core samples) were collected from the conserved and adjacent nonconserved plots. The significance analysis test was performed using analysis of variance. The result of the study showed that higher mean values of soil physicochemical properties were observed in the conserved plot than its nonconserved counterpart. The mean differences of organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable K+ and Ca2+ between conserved and nonconserved plots were statistically significant at the P < 0.01 level. Besides, available phosphorous and bulk density were significant at P < 0.05 , but the effect of SWC practices was not found significant on soil texture, soil pH, and exchangeable Na+ and Mg2+ content of the soil in the Damota area. Community-based soil and water conservation practices have improved the soil fertility in agricultural landscapes, although significant results have been observed in some fertility indicators. Therefore, strengthening the implementation of conservation measures by participating in all stakeholders is recommended. Supporting physical structures by agronomic and vegetative measures and continued maintenance can bring better results.

scholarly journals Sustainable Water Conservation Practices and Challenges among Smallholder Farmers in Enyibe Ermelo Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-123
Author(s):  
Azikiwe Isaac Agholor ◽  
Mzwakhe Nkosi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Resource Conservation ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Conservation Practice ◽  
Water Resource Conservation

The study examined the adoption of water conservation practices and challenges encountered by smallholder farmers in water resource conservation in Enyibe, Ermelo South Africa. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, observation and focus group discussion. Frequency, mean and logistics regression were used for data analysis. Age (β=1.238), sex (β=-1.497), level of education (β=-1.062), access to irrigation facilities (β=1.690), payment of water tariff (β=1.369) and agricultural extension advice (β=-.631) were significant and associated with adoption of water conservation practice. The identified constraints in the adoption process were inadequate technical guidelines, financial, government policies, and inadequate knowledge of water conservation practices. There is need to improve information, showcase the benefits of water conservation, and ensure maintenance of water conservation infrastructure. Concerted effort must be made to establish robust database on water resource conservation and sources of water utilised in the area. Keywords: Sustainable, water conservation, constraints, adoption

scholarly journals Rural transformation in the upper Citarum watershed and its implication to soil conservation practices

2021 ◽  
Vol 892 (1) ◽  
pp. 012028
Author(s):  
S H Susilowati ◽  
T Sudaryanto ◽  
H W Perkasa ◽  
Sumaryanto ◽  
H Tarigan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Land Utilization ◽  
Rural Transformation ◽  
Conservation Practice

Abstract In response to soil and environmental problems in the Citarum river of West Java, the upper Citarum watershed has focused on government policy intervention. The policy framework primarily focuses on encouraging soil conservation practices and promoting an environmentally friendly farming system. However, most empirical research on this subject failed to acknowledge that the conservation practices varied with the stage of rural transformation. This paper aims to assess rural transformation in the upper Citarum watershed and its relation to soil conservation practices. We use Indogreen Farm Household Survey (IFHS) data collected in 2019 from Bandung and West Bandung districts, covering six sub-watersheds, 22 villages, and 500 farm households. The sub-watersheds are divided into two groups based on the degree of rural transformation. Descriptive analysis using graphs and charts presented the data. The results show that the more dominant non-agriculture job characterizes household employment and income structure in the faster regions. Furthermore, farmers in these regions mostly choose higher-value commodities compared to the slower area. Finally, soil conservation practice is more intensive in the faster region in response to more intensive land utilization. The research implies that agricultural development programs, in particular extension services, should put this issue in perspective.

Determinants of Water Conservation Practices in Rainfed Agriculture: An Empirical Analysis from an Eastern Indian State

2021 ◽  
pp. 289-297
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Rainfed Agriculture ◽  
Conservation Practice ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Binary Model ◽  
The Government

The present study attempted to determine the determinants of the water conservation practices in rainfed agriculture, especially in the watershed program Keonjhar district of Odisha state in the eastern part of India. Primary data were collected by a multi-stage random sampling method. The sample size was 125 households, and information was collected by canvassing a pre-designed schedule to the head of the households through door-to-door interviews. Focus group discussions were conducted to get qualitative information. A probit binary model was applied for analysis. The factors like awareness of the farmers, participation, the share of agriculture income to the total income of the household, the slope of agricultural land, access to information were positively influenced the water conservation practice. In contrast, the caste of SC / ST household and distance of agricultural land negatively influences soil water conservation practices. The results revealed that better awareness with the active participation of people in the government program could neutralize the influence of socio-economic factors in the adoption of soil water conservation practices.

scholarly journals Estimating soil erosion risk and evaluating erosion control measures for soil conservation planning at Koga watershed in the highlands of Ethiopia

Solid Earth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tegegne Molla ◽  
Biniam Sisheber
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Erosion Control ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Soil And Water

Abstract. Soil erosion is one of the major factors affecting sustainability of agricultural production in Ethiopia. The objective of this paper is to estimate soil erosion using the universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and to evaluate soil conservation practices in a data-scarce watershed region. For this purpose, soil data, rainfall, erosion control practices, satellite images and topographic maps were collected to determine the RUSLE factors. In addition, measurements of randomly selected soil and water conservation structures were done at three sub-watersheds (Asanat, Debreyakob and Rim). This study was conducted in Koga watershed at upper part of the Blue Nile basin which is affected by high soil erosion rates. The area is characterized by undulating topography caused by intensive agricultural practices with poor soil conservation practices. The soil loss rates were determined and conservation strategies have been evaluated under different slope classes and land uses. The results showed that the watershed is affected by high soil erosion rates (on average 42 t ha−1 yr−1), greater than the maximum tolerable soil loss (18 t ha−1 yr−1). The highest soil loss (456 t ha−1 yr−1) estimated from the upper watershed occurred on cultivated lands of steep slopes. As a result, soil erosion is mainly aggravated by land-use conflicts and topographic factors and the rugged topographic land forms of the area. The study also demonstrated that the contribution of existing soil conservation structures to erosion control is very small due to incorrect design and poor management. About 35 % out of the existing structures can reduce soil loss significantly since they were constructed correctly. Most of the existing structures were demolished due to the sediment overload, vulnerability to livestock damage and intense rainfall. Therefore, appropriate and standardized soil and water conservation measures for different erosion-prone land uses and land forms need to be implemented in Koga watershed.

scholarly journals Assessment of Efficiency and Adequacy of Retention Terraces

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 577-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antônio Calazans Reis Miranda ◽  
Danilo Paulúcio da Silva ◽  
Eloy Lemos de Mello ◽  
Fernando Falco Pruski
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Storage Efficiency ◽  
Conservation Practice ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Crest Height

Due to losses caused by water erosion, the development of techniques that increase the efficiency of soil conservation practices is fundamental. Terracing of agricultural lands is an important conservation practice. Bearing in mind that improperly built terraces may negatively affect the landscape, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the efficiency as well as the adequacy of retention terraces. Assessments were performed in four terraces implanted in different states, all located in the mideastern region of the state of Minas Gerais. The water storage efficiency of the terraces was determined by comparing the effective with the required storage capacity, as established in the project. Proposals were also made for the adequacy of the assessed terraces, based on the correction of the characteristics that jeopardized storage efficiency. The storage efficiency of three of the four assessed terraces was below the required levels (0.5-13 %). The main properties influencing storage capacity were: uniformity of ridge crest height, terrace end closure, and the cross section finishing. In two of the three low-efficiency terraces, the correction of these characteristics proved sufficient to raise the storage efficiency to nearly 100 %.

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