Journal of Earth & Environmental Waste Management
- ISSN: 3065-8799
Eguale Tadesse
Existence of flora and environmental disturbances had a pronounced influence on the soil characteristics. The objectives of this
study were to determine the soil texture, bulk density (BD) and amount of organic carbon (OM and OC) in reserved forests and
adjacent cultivated lands. Transect lines and plots were established to collect soil samples in the reserved forests and nearby
cultivated lands. Soil horizon based soil sampling was administered on a transverse position from 2 ends of the diagonal line
and from the center of each plot (mid of the diagonal) for soil texture and OC determination. For bulk density (BD) soil core
samplers were used. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA. The results revealed the %clay content was significantly
higher in cultivated lands than reserved forests and the %sand content was higher in reserved forests than cultivated lands at
(p=0.05). The BD is significantly higher in cultivated lands than reserved forests at (p=0.05). The soil OC was significantly higher
in Soil-Horizon-1 than Soil-Horizon-2 and in reserved forests than cultivated lands at (p=0.05). The superior soil characteristics
were obtained in reserved forests than in cultivated lands. Hence, it is recommended to conserve the reserved forests to maintain
better property of the soil through enhancing OC and by decreasing soil BD since it has implications to improve the soil physical
and chemical properties in cultivated lands adjoining the reserved forests. We also recommend application of green manure and
compost to the cultivated lands to mend soil properties.