Environmental Conservation: Effects of Land Use Types on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Gojera Kebele, Southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Understanding the effects of different land use types on soil physicochemical properties (PCPs) is essential for the sustainable management of soil resources and environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various land use types on selected soil PCPs in the Dinsho district of Ethiopia. A total of 32 soil samples were collected from four land use types: forests, agricultural farms, grazing areas, and grasslands, at two soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm), with three replicates per type. The mean differences in physical and chemical parameters were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance. The results indicated that agricultural land and grasslands exhibited the highest values for sand and clay content. Forested areas showed significantly higher levels of SOM at 5.05% and TN with a p-value of less than 0.001. The mean available phosphorus ranged from 2.03 to 5.2 mg/kg, indicating a significant deficiency of available phosphorus in the study area. The mean bulk density and total porosity of the soils ranged from 1.14 to 1.37 g/cm³ and 42.02% to 51.5%, respectively, which are higher than the desirable limits for optimal soil health. The pH values ranged from 6.06 to 7.25, falling within an acceptable range. Additionally, the exchangeable basic cations, CEC, and PBS values were classified as high to very high across all land use types. These findings suggest that inappropriate land use practices significantly affect soil physicochemical properties, leading to detrimental effects on soil quality. Therefore, it is crucial to implement Land?Use Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) strategies to ensure the sustainable use of soil resources and promote environmental conservation.