Глобальный журнал биологии, сельского хозяйства и медицинских наук

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Evaluation of Soil Fertility Status at various depths for Maize (Zea mays L.) Production in Assosa District, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

Sisay Mekonnen* and Daniel Adhanom

Purpose: This study was designed to be conducted in Assosa district to evaluate depth based soil fertility status in relation to maize production. What are the potentials and limiting soil fertility parameters along the root depth of maize in the area?

Methods: For this, three soil profile pits were dung in the year 2017 and 2018 and a total of 27 composite soil samples were taken from three depth categories (0-30, 30-60 and 60-90cm). The physico-chemical parameters of the sampled soil were analyzed in Assosa Soil laboratory center and Amhara Design & Supervision Works Enterprise soil laboratory. Descriptive statistical analysis was made by SAS 2002.

Results: The result indicated that clay was the textural class of the soil in the entire three soil depth. The soil of the area shows moderately acidic condition in their reaction. Medium level of total nitrogen (N) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) was observed in all the three soil depth categories. Lower level of soil organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) was observed on the upper (0-30cm) soil layer which is the root zone for maize crop. Soil micronutrients of the study area revealed a decreasing trend vertically down ward across the three soil depths. In terms of maize nutrient requirement, relatively medium level of total nitrogen was observed in the surface soil layer while serious limitations in available phosphorus, potassium and zinc content of the soil were observed.

Conclusion: Therefore, it is suggested that fertilizer management practices addressing P, K and Zn deficiencies in the study area are recommended in order to ensure increased maize productivity.