Effects of land use/land cover changes on soil properties in Rib watershed, Ethiopia

Conversion of natural vegetation into farm land and grazing land causes soil quality loss. Soil properties response to land use/land cover changes (LULC) shows both spatial and temporal variations. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of LULC changes on physical and chemical properties of soil in Rib watershed. To assess physical and chemical properties of the soil among LULC, soil samples were taken over natural forest, grazing and cultivated lands in two agro-ecological belts of Dega and High Dega. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Pearson's correlation were computed. The study revealed that LULC and agro-ecology have affected physical and chemical properties of the soil in the study watershed. Significant difference in distribution of soil texture, BD, OC, TN and pH among LULC were observed. Soils of Natural forest had higher OC, OC stock and TN. For instance, soils of natural forest had higher OC stock (188.32 Mg/ha) as compared to soils of cultivated lands(72.75 Mg/ha). Soil pH was slightly higher in natural forests and lower in the soils of grazing and cultivated lands. Significant difference (P < 0.05) among the two agro-ecologies were also observed in OC, Ca2+, and contents of clay and silt. In general, LULC change has affected the concentration of TN, OC, pH and BD which in turn can affect soil productivity. Therefore, the study suggests the implementation of an integrated soil fertility management practices and conservation based production systems with the collaboration of regional, local au-thority and farming community.