Effects of Different Land Use Types on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties at Laga Gur-Micro Watershed, Central High land of Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the influence of several land use types on selected soil physicochemical properties at the Laga Gur micro-watershed. A total of nine representative composite samples, with three replications per land use type, were collected from a soil depth of 0 to 20 cm. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that sandy loam is the predominant particle size distribution, with significant variations in key properties. Soil bulk density was remarkably higher in cultivated lands, while total porosity was maximized in forested areas, indicating better soil structure and aeration there. The chemical analysis revealed that forest lands exhibited significantly higher values of soil total nitrogen and organic carbon than other land use types. In contrast, cultivated lands recorded the lowest concentrations of these nutrients, which can be attributed to continuous tillage and soil erosion. Conversely, available phosphorus was found to be highest in cultivated lands, likely as a result of repeated fertilizer applications. The soil pH values showed slightly acidic conditions, and cation exchange capacity demonstrated consistent nutrient retention across land uses. The findings highlight that unsustainable land use practices degrade soil properties and reduce productivity. To maintain soil health and enhance agricultural sustainability, adopting integrated soil fertility management and sustainable land use strategies is essential. Further research with a larger sample size, diverse land use types, and additional soil parameters is recommended to better understand the underlying mechanisms driving these variations.