Evaluation of Biological and Bio-physical Soil and Water Conservation Methods at Haro-Sabu, Kellem Wollega Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The work compared bio-physical soil and water conservation technique against biological and farmers practice. This evaluation was undertaken at the experimental farm of Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Centre (Awetu Gandaso), Dale Sedi district for five consecutive years. A field experiment was designed in RCBD, replicated three times on the field. Soil loss and runoff volume from the experimental fields were measured using at collection champers installed at the downstream end of each plot. Results were compared on the basis of effectiveness of soil and water conservation. The results illustrate that the bio-physical soil and water conservation technique was more effective in controlling soil and runoff losses when compared to the other two techniques. In comparison with Farmer Practice, biophysical approach saved soil from erosion by 44% on the cultivation land. Thus biophysical soil and water management would be an important technique to be considered to improve the current on soil and water conservation.

Keywords: OARI, SCRP, Conservation, Ethiopia