Physicochemical Characteristics of Soils Used for Cultivation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Ambo District, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of Ambo District soils collected from four Kebeles (Awaro Qora, Gosu Qora, Qibafkube and Elamu Goromti), Ethiopia. The soil was analyzed for the parameters like soil pH, electrical conductivity, (EC), moisture content (MC), total dissolved solid (TDS), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), available nitrogen, available phosphorous, and available potassium. K and CEC values were analyzed using flame photometer, available phosphorous was analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer while conventional analytical methods were employed for the determination of the rest of the physicochemical parameters. During the course of study fluctuation in the various parameters were recorded. The results obtained revealed that the concentrations of physicochemical parameters in the soil samples were: MC (19.31–28.25%), pH (5.68–7.63), EC(0.11–0.27 mS/cm), TDS (72.7–172 mg/L), OC (1.61–2.84%), OM (2.78–4.89%), CEC (36.28–65.73 cmol(+)/kg), available N (0.012–0.020%), available P (14.01–26.14 kg/ha), and available K (116.59–345.19 kg/ha). Statistical test of significance using ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the values of moisture content, TDS, CEC and available nutrients (N, P and K) in the soil samples obtained from all the sampling sites. This variation of values observed in the different parameters is due to the soil quality in different places. The soil studied can be considered as good sources of available nutrients and this information will help farmers to solve the problems related to soil nutrients, the type and amount of fertilizers to be used to increase the yield of crops.