Characterization and classification of soils of Wolkite University research sites, Ethiopia

Authors : Teshome YİTBAREK, Abdeta JEMBERE, Habtamu KEREBEH

Pages : 292-299

Doi:10.18393/ejss.436186

View : 102 | Download : 18

Publication Date : 2018-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The main purpose of this study was to characterize and classify soils of Wolkite University research sites, Gurage zone, Ethiopia. In each five research sites, Wabe insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RS1);, Geche insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RS2);, Yefereze insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RS3);, Kotergedra insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RS4); and Keratemo insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RS5);, representative pedons were opened and described. Almost all the pedons were deep insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(>150 cm); with argillic B horizons and had clay textural class. The pH of the surface soils ranged from strongly acidic insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4.5); to moderately acidic insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.6);.  The soils had medium insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2.60%); to high insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3.84%); organic carbon content and very low insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.46 mg kg -1 ); to low insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(10.34 mg kg-1); available phosphorus. The status of cation exchange capacity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CEC); and base saturation were ranged from medium insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(23.15); to very high insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(66.32 cmolc kg -1 ); and low insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(33%); to high insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(99%);, respectively. According to WRB classification, pedon RS1 was classified as Haplic Vertisols insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hypereutric); with USD equivalent of Typic Haplusterts. Pedons RS2 and RS3 were classified as Vertic Alisols insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hyperdysric);, which is correlated with Ultisols insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Typic Haplustults); in USDA classification. Pedon RS4 and RS5 classified as Vertic Luvisols insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Hypereutric);, which is correlated with Alfisols insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Vertic Haplustalfs); in USDA classification. Generally, the soils of the research sites were acidic with low status of available phosphorus, which need amelioration of soil acidity and nutrient management.
Keywords : Argilic, nutrient management, pedon, soil acidity

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