Characterization of soils of Jello Chancho Watershed: The case of Liban District, East Shewa Zone Ethiopia

Understanding of soil-physicochemical properties is necessary for appropriate utilization of soil resources. Soil resources characterization and classification are major requirements. In view of this, a study was conducted on soils of Jello-Chancho Watershed to characterize physicochemical properties of the soil. To achieve these objectives, three profiles were opened from the watershed and examined for their selected physicochemical properties. The soils were generally pinkish white to black color. The structure was granular in the surface horizons of all profiles while friable consistence in moist basis of surface horizons in all profiles. Textural classes were ranged from loam to clay whereas bulk density ranged from 0.90-1.18gcm-3, and total porosity ranged from 55.47-66.00%. The soils were rated as moderate acid to neutral. The EC was low in all studied profile. The OM contents in the study area ranged from 1.93-4.47% and TN contents ranged from 0.10-0.23%. Av. P was ranged from 0.02-3.86mgkg-1. The exchangeable potassium, calcium and magnesium were high to very high in all studied profiles while sodium was very low to high. CEC of the study soils were ranged from 18.90-68.20cmolckg-1 whereas percent base saturation ranged from 53-98%. The soils were classified as Abruptic-Luvisols (Profile-1), Haplic-Luvisols (Profile-2) and luvic-Phaeazems (Profile-3), respectively. The morphological and physiochemical properties of the soil for the study area change with topography and soil depth. Low level of OM, available P, total N, and exchangeable Na could be the major problems in the study area. The control of such damaging effects would require proper soil conservation strategies.