Indexing soil quality: a new paradigm in soil science research
Teklu Erkossa A , Fisseha Itanna B and Karl Stahr CA Corresponding author: Debre Zeit Research Centre, PO Box 32, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. Email: erkossa@yahoo.com
B Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
C University of Hohenheim, Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation (310), Postfach 70 05 62, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany.
Australian Journal of Soil Research 45(2) 129-137 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR06064
Submitted: 15 May 2006 Accepted: 10 November 2006 Published: 28 March 2007
Abstract
Soil quality indexing is a new approach in spatial and temporal evaluation of land management systems effects on soils’ capacity to function. A field experiment was conducted at Caffee Doonsa (2400 m a.s.l., 08°57′N, 39°06′E) for 6 years (1998–2003) to compare the effects of land preparation methods on soil quality (SQ) and to test the use of the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) in assessing SQ under the Ethiopian Central Highlands conditions. Four methods of land preparation [broad bed and furrows (BBF), green manure (GM), ridge and furrows (RF), and reduced tillage (RT)] were arranged in a randomised complete block design with 3 replications on permanent plots (22 m by 6 m). Physical, chemical, and biological SQ indicators were determined and scored, and a soil quality index (SQI) was developed using the SMAF procedures. Seven SQ indicators including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), bulk density, aggregate stability (AGG), soil organic carbon (Corg), pH, available water capacity (AWC), and available phosphorus were selected as a minimum dataset. The scored values of the indicators ranged from 0.21 for AGG and 0.97 for pH, both under BBF. Compared with RF (control), all the alternatives (GM, BBF, and RT) increased the scores of Corg and MBC. Moreover, BBF and GM increased the score values of AWC and AGG, respectively. Consequently, there was a non-significant increase in SQI due to the use of GM, BBF, and RT compared with the control. As a result, the land preparation methods may be preferred in a decreasing order GM ≥ BBF ≥ RT ≥ RF for the management goal of crop production. The study indicated that SMAF could be a robust tool to assess the performance of land management methods on soil quality in the study area, but some modifications may be required to fit to the prevailing cropping system and soil characteristics.
Additional keywords: soil quality indicators, land preparation methods, Vertisols, Ethiopia.
Acknowledgments
The authors appreciate the assistance of Nigusu Bekele and the late Tiku Birbo of the Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center in implementing the field experiment and data collection. Bosena Bizuneh, Sisay Bejiga, and Tigist Wolde of the soil laboratory at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center helped in the determination of the soil parameters. The Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EARO) and Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) have sponsored this work.
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