TECHNICAL EVALUATION, IMPACTS OF PHYSICAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION STRUCTURES AND SLOPE GRADIENTS ON SELECTED SOIL PROPERTIES THE CASE OF HAWASSA ZURIA WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was aimed on technical evaluation, impacts of physical soil and water conservation structures and slope gradients on selected soil properties. For the purpose of the study Hawassa Zuria Woreda was selected and Kejima Unibulo, Ounbulo Wacho and Shamena Gerimama kebeles were selected purposively from woreda. Total of 60 structures; 20 soil bunds, 20 fanya juus and 20 micro basins were randomly selected and their dimensions were evaluated according to the standard recommended. 18 soil samples (two treatments ∗ three slope classes ∗ three replications) were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm from kejima unibulo. 364 households were interviewed. Data were analyzed using paired samples T-test, one way analysis of variance and descriptive statistics. In the study area soil bunds, stone bunds, fanya juus and micro basins were implemented. Technical evaluation showed that only vertical interval of soil bund was constructed according to the standard. The result revealed that physical soil and water conservation structures had no impacts on soil texture and had significant impacts on bulk density. Slope gradients had significant impacts on sand soil and silt soil. physical soil and water conservation structures and slope gradients had significant impacts on chemical properties of soil. Farmers were preferred to practice soil bund, fanya juu and micro basin, respectively. Farmers were perceived the benefits of physical soil and water conservation structures as soil fertility improvement, increase crop productivity and restoration of degraded lands. The problems in implementation of physical soil and water conservation structures in the study area were small land size, labor cost, lack of technical skills, inaccessibility of construction materials, lack of interest for young generation to participate in agricultural activities, lack of field guide line for soil and water conservation practices, weak interaction among stakeholders, food insecurity and lack of awareness, respectively. Generally, physical soil and water conservation structures implemented had poor technical quality. There should be awareness creation and trainings for the farmers and development agents. There should be integration of physical conservation measures with agronomic and biological conservation measures and implementation of slope reducing structures along steep slopes in order achieve objectives of erosion reduction.