Effects of Area Closure on Selected Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Hidabu Abote District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia

This study was conducted at sire moresse area closure, Hidabu abote district, North shewa zone, Oromia Regional State to evaluate the effects of area closure on selected physic-chemical properties of soils. In this study area closure sites were compared with adjacent open grazing land in similar landscape positions for soil fertility buildup. Soil samples were collected from the experimental fields using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement to evaluate selected soil physico- chemical properties. Data analyses were carried out using analysis of variance appropriate to general linear model (GLM). A total of 36 undisturbed and 36 disturbed soil samples were collected from both closed and open grazing land at 10 and 20 cm sampling depths along each slope position with three replication. The result of the study indicated that the mean value of most of soil physical and chemical properties were higher at area closure than adjacent open grazing land and also higher at bottom slope position than middle and upper slope position. The mean of Air filled porosity and Bulk density were lower at both area closure management practices and bottom slope position. Bulk density, Total Porosity, volumetric soil moisture content and saturated hydraulic conductivity at 20 cm sampling depth were shows significantly different with respect to management practices. Similarly, soil chemical properties such as EC, OC, AvP and CEC were shows significantly different with respect to management practices. Soil structure quality, Texture, BD, TP, SMC, EC and TN were shows significantly different under the three slope position. The overall output from the research showed that physical and chemical properties of soil in area closure areas are improving. Area closures act as important sinks of water and reduce soil erosion. From this study it was possible to conclude that area closure improves soil physical and chemical properties.