Evaluation of Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Soil Properties, Soil Loss and Maize Production in Western Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This study evaluated the effects of integrated biophysical soil and water conservation (SWC) measures on soil properties, soil loss and maize yield in Daro Lebu district, West Hararghe zone, from 2020 to 2022. The experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, comprised eight treatments: Vetiver with bund, sole Vetiver, Elephant grass with bund, sole Elephant grass, Brachiaria with bund, sole Brachiaria, sole bund, and a control. Data were collected on soil properties, soil loss, plant height, number of cobs, and grain yield. The conservation measures improved soil properties relative to traditional practices. The lowest soil loss was recorded for Elephant grass with bund (4.85 t/ha) and Vetiver with bund (5.88 t/ha). The highest soil organic carbon (1.59%) was observed under Elephant grass with bund, followed by Vetiver (1.55%). Maize yield was highest under sole soil bund (5570 kg/ha), followed by the control (5416 kg/ha) and sole Brachiaria (5203 kg/ha), with no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Although sole soil bund produced the highest maize yield in the short term, integrating Elephant grass with bund more effectively reduced soil erosion and enhanced soil properties in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the integration of Elephant grass with bund is recommended for the study area.