Soils Characteristics in Maize Based Farming System of Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2016
Pages:
37-46
Received:
17 July 2016
Accepted:
28 July 2016
Published:
21 August 2016
Abstract: Understanding soil fertility status is a prerequisite to implement appropriate soil management practices for sustainable agricultural production and productivity. In view of this, a study was conducted at Kejo and Ongobo farmers’ fields, located at GobuSeyo District of East Wollega Zone of Oromia region in 2011. To investigate soil characteristics, Soil samples were collected from the profiles of the genetic horizons for the analyzing the selected physicochemical properties. The results of the study revealed that the soils had strong coarse sub angular blocky structure at Ap horizon, whereas to angular blocky structures at the B horizon. The soil textural class of both profiles was clayey with the clay fractions being the highest and increased consistently with depth. The bulk density values ranging from 1.25 g cm-3 at the Ap horizon to 1.40 g cm-3 at the Bt4 horizon. The pH-H2O were strongly acidic ranging from 5.27 at the Ap horizon to 5.83 at Bt2 horizon. The soil organic matter (SOM) contents of the soils ranging from 0.62% at the Bt2 horizon to 3.78% at the surface horizon, whereas total N ranging from 0.03 to 0.19%, available P from 0.62 to 4.0 mg kg-1 and CEC from 11.84 to 22.47 cmolckg-1 soil.Available Fe ranging from 7.24 to 33.68 mg kg-1, Mn from 2.37 to 83.91 mg kg-1, Zn from 0.013 to 0.314 mg kg-1 and Cu from 0.16 to 2.32 mg kg-1 in the soil and showed decreasing trend with profile depth. The result of the study showed that the soils of the study sites had poor chemical fertility and integrated soil fertility management practices can improve the current situation.
Abstract: Understanding soil fertility status is a prerequisite to implement appropriate soil management practices for sustainable agricultural production and productivity. In view of this, a study was conducted at Kejo and Ongobo farmers’ fields, located at GobuSeyo District of East Wollega Zone of Oromia region in 2011. To investigate soil characteristics,...
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Assessment of Tree Planting Trend in Karemo Division in Siaya County: Kenya
Andrew C. Soi,
Patrick Odhiamb Hayombe,
Regina Ochieng Nyunja
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, August 2016
Pages:
47-52
Received:
10 May 2016
Accepted:
1 June 2016
Published:
25 August 2016
Abstract: Tree planting-trend has been taking in Karemo Division for the last 28 years (1985-2014). This is an average rotation of exotic trees species in the study area like Eucalyptus, cypress, casuarinas and pine that are present in the study area. Survived trees sequester carbon, but the amount of carbon that can be sequestered by these trees is not known. An important question is to what extent of carbon that trees sequesters, can be significantly contributed due to tree planting-trend. An important question is to what extent of carbon that trees sequesters, can be significantly contributed due to tree planting-trend, the type of on-farm management practices applied by farmers and the role of forest of rural forest development institutions on farm forestry in the study area? That’s why the study attempted to answer this vital question applied by farmers and the role of forest of rural forest development institutions on farm forestry in the study area? That’s why the study attempted to answer this vital question. This study sought to find out if tree planting trend. An objective was: assessing tree planting trend from 1985-2014 in relation to tree cover. Survey research design was employed and sample size of 234 farmers was selected from a target population of 600 farmers from register in county forest office. Tree resource inventory was carried out on sampled farms in Karemo Division to determine the number and status of trees in the farms. Modeling with differential equations, Euler's method shows that 3.7% trees has increased in the last 28 year and Study recommends Participatory Planning for Eco-Commercial Tree Farming (PPECTP) as a concept for afforestation strategies by all stakeholders.
Abstract: Tree planting-trend has been taking in Karemo Division for the last 28 years (1985-2014). This is an average rotation of exotic trees species in the study area like Eucalyptus, cypress, casuarinas and pine that are present in the study area. Survived trees sequester carbon, but the amount of carbon that can be sequestered by these trees is not know...
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