International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

2023; 8(3): 109-117

http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijnrem
doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20230803.12
ISSN: 2575-3088 (Print); ISSN: 2575-3061 (Online)

Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil

Resources of Leka Dullecha District, East Wollega Zone,
Western Oromia
Chalsissa Takele*, Obsa Aga, Temesgen Chimdessa, Fayisa Olana
Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Nekemte Soil Research Center, Oromia, Ethiopia

Email address:
[email protected] (Chalsissa Takele)
*
Corresponding author

To cite this article:

Chalsissa Takele, Obsa Aga, Temesgen Chimdessa, Fayisa Olana. Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil Resources of Leka
Dullecha District, East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management.
Vol. 8, No. 3, 2023, pp. 109-117. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20230803.12

Received: April 17, 2023; Accepted: June 27, 2023; Published: July 17, 2023

Abstract: For making decisions on agricultural production and other land use types, understanding the types and
characteristics of soils is essential. This study was conducted with the aim of characterization and classification of soils of
Leka Dullecha district and produces a map of these soils. Based on slope, geology, land form, soil depth, color, texture, and
structure, soil mapping units were categorized (USDA soil textural classes). Understanding the relationships and interactions
between the various soil qualities was made easier by the separation of the study site into SMUs. Cambisols, Acrisols, Nitisols,
Lixisols, Vertisols, Fluvisols, and Leptosols were the seven main soil types discovered at the study location. The pH ranged
from 4.0 (highly acidic) to 6.3 (moderately acidic), with a value of 4.9 as the average. Mean total nitrogen was found to be
0.06% (low) and 0.41% (high) in the SMU3 and SMU10, respectively with the mean values of 0.24. Soils of all SMUs had a
fairly medium to high exchangeable Ca and Mg content. The CEC of the soils ranged from 1.08 to 27.94cmolc kg-1 with a
mean value of 15.9. OC was positively and significantly correlated with TN (r2 = 0.999) at p < 0.001. Besides, CEC was
significantly and negatively correlated with EA (r2 = -0.397) at p < 0.05. The concept of soil–landscape relationships helps to
categorize highly variable soils into relatively distinct management zones. Therefore, soil classification was developed to aid in
land management.
Keywords: Classification, Characterization, Digital Soil Mapping Unit, Major Soils

allowable potential limits [2]. In order to evaluate the quality

1. Introduction of our natural resources and their potential to produce food,
One of the major challenges to the holistic management of fodder, fiber and fuel for the present and future generations,
soils rests upon the spatial variability of soils across detailed information on soil properties is required.
landscape. Hudson, contended that soil survey is a scientific The art of soil survey and classification involves dividing
strategy based on the concepts of factors of soil formation soils of a varying landscape into more or less distinct classes
coupled with soil–landscape relationships [1]. As a result, that require comparatively similar management practices [3].
soil–landscape interface is an integral part of geo-ecological A report [4] indicated that fields that have a high degree of
model and can be understood through detailed soil survey spatial variability in soil properties could be better managed
and modeling. Knowledge of the kinds and properties of soils using site specific management zones. Because of spatial
is critical for decision making with respect to crop production variability of soils, sampling the soil at a finite number of
and other land use types. It is through precise measurement places or points in time yields incomplete pictures and thus
and full understanding of the nature and properties of soils as spaces between sampling points need to be predicted [5].
well as proper management of the nutrient and moisture Assessment of soil for land use planning is increasingly
requirements that one can maximize crop production to the important due to increasing competition for land among
110 Chalsissa Takele et al.: Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil Resources of Leka Dullecha District,
East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia

many land uses and the transition from subsistence to market Ethiopian soils in general and are non-existent in the
based farming in many countries [6]. Soil classification, highlands of western Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, the
therefore, is the basis for efficient land suitability evaluation, study was conducted with the aim of characterization and
planning, and management. Soil classification is important in classification of soils of Leka Dullecha district and produces
identifying the most appropriate use of soil, estimating a map of these soils.
production potential, extrapolating knowledge gained at one
location to other often relatively little known locations, and 2. Materials and Methods
providing a basis for future research needs [7]. Soil
characterization is required to classify soils, and determine 2.1. Site Description
chemical and physical properties not visible in field
examination [8]. The study was conducted in Leka Dullecha covering
The World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) is 61678. 57 ha of land and suited in East Wollega zone of
universally accepted comprehensive soil classification system Oromia Regional State. Getema town, which is the capital of
that enables people to accommodate their national the District, is situated at about 356 km distance from
classification system [9] and is widely adopted in Ethiopia. Finfinnee. The RF type is unimodal and the annual RF ranges
The FAO, created soil maps at a scale of 1:2,000,000 which from 1500mm - 2500mm. The District is under intensive
are too coarse in resolution to provide sufficient soil data for agriculture. The major crops grown in the area are: maize,
specific locations [10]. Furthermore, the soil–landscape sorghum, teff, barley, wheat, sesame, coffee and beans.
relations at a detailed scale of 1:50,000 rarely exist for

Figure 1. Location map of the study area.

DEM using Global Mapper 13.1 software. The base maps

2.2. Methodology produced for slope, landform and LULC were used for
2.2.1. Pre-fieldwork planning of the survey activities. The number of soil augering
A base map of landform and land use land cover were points was estimated based on 1.5km × 1.5km grid size and
created using ARC GIS 10.3 software by overlaying a 30-m distributed on the base map. The observation was aimed at
resolution LANDSAT ETM+ and Google earth imagery. The verification of landscape units and delineation of the newly
slope of the study site was classified from 30-m resolution identified landscape units. A grid approach was used to
depict soil variability in the field at finer resolution.
 International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 2023; 8(3): 109-117 111

2.2.2. Fieldwork the site. Soil mapping units were classified based on slope,
A preliminary reconnaissance survey was conducted to have geology, landform, soil depth, color, structure and texture
a clear visual image of topographic configuration of the study (USDAsoiltexturalclasses) (Figure 2). SMU1 occurred on
area. The conceptual model used in this study was a discrete gentle slopes (0-2%) dominated by moderately deep to very
model of spatial variation [11], which assumes that the deep effective depth (>150cm) loam soils. SMU2 moderately
landscape can be divided into distinct polygons of ‘natural’ dissected plateau sandy clay loam, 0-2% slope, very strongly
soil bodies. To map the soils of the entire study area, soil acidic, moderately deep to deep phase (Leptic-Humic
augering description following grid survey a technique was Acrisols). SMU3 labeled as Leptic Acrisols constitute the
employed [12]. The landscape variables such as elevation, largest portion (13.75%) of the total study area. They
landform, slope steepness, micro-topography, land use type, occurred on a 15-30% slope, moderately deep effective soil
vegetation type, PMs, presence of rock outcrops, stoniness, depth of 50-100cm, well drained, texture of sandy loam,
surface crack and crusting, erosion status, surface drainage and weak fine to medium granular structure, moist surface color
flooding conditions at every auger observation point were of black (10YR2/1). SMU4 moderately dissected plateau
described according to FAO guideline [9]. sandy clay loam, 2-8% slope, slightly acidic, moderately
Additionally, soil parameters such as CaCO3 content, soil deep to deep phase (Humic-Chromic Acrisols). SMU5
depth, soil color, texture, structure, horizon development and Upstream lowland plains and plateau loam, sandy loam and
profile stoniness were measured. Hence, combining soil and clay loam, 2-8% slope, extremely acidic, very deep to deep
landscape information such as landform, slope, soil depth and phase (Umbric-Chromic Acrisols). SMU6 Upstream lowland
soil texture that were obtained from characterization of auger plains and plateau loam, 2-8%, very strongly acidic, very
observation points the entire study site was classified into 28 deep to deep phase (Humic-Chromic Acrisols). SMU7
major mapping units. In each soil mapping unit (SMU), one to moderately dissected plateau sandy loam, loam and clay
two soil profile pits of 1.5 X2 m were dug to at least 2 m depth. loam 8-15% slope, moderately acidic, deep to very deep
Accordingly, 29 soil profile pits were dug for the whole study phase (Humic-Chromic Acrisols). SMU8 moderately
site. These soil profiles were used for full description of the dissected plateau clay, 2-8% slope, very strongly acidic, very
soils in the field and for taking soil samples from genetic deep phase (Chromic-Dystric Cambisols). SMU9 moderately
depths for physical and chemical laboratory analysis [9]. In the dissected plateau sandy loam and sandy clay loam, >30%
site, recording explanatory pedogenetic variables for every slope, strongly acidic, moderately deep phase
profile pits and preliminarily soil classification was performed (LepticCambisols).
following world soil reference base. SMU10 High to mountainous relief hills, clay, 15-30%
slope, very strongly acidic, deep to very deep phase
2.2.3. Post Field Work (Chromic-Eutric Cambisols). SMU11 moderately dissected
Soil samples collected during the fieldwork were brought plateau loam and sandy loam, 15-30% slope, strongly acidic,
to the laboratory, air-dried, sieved to 2 mm and prepared for moderately deep to deep phase (Leptic Cambisols). SMU12
analysis. Soil tests were performed for selected soil physical moderately dissected plateau clay loam, 2-8% slope, very
and chemical parameters following standard laboratory strongly acidic, very deep phase (Mollic Cambisols). SMU13
methods and procedures. Final soil reclassification was made Upstream lowland plains and plateau sandy clay, 2-8% slope,
based on the laboratory result. The distribution of soils across moderately acidic, very deep phase (Mollic Cambisols).
the landscape was mapped based on the relationship between SMU14 High to mountainous relief hills clay, 8-15% slope,
soil and landscape variables. The final soil map was strongly acidic, moderately very deep phase (Mollic-Rhodic
produced at scale of 1:50,000. Cambisols). SMU15 moderately dissected plateau clay, 8-15%
2.3. Geo-Statistical Analysis and Soil Mapping slope, very strongly acidic, deep phase (Mollic-Chromic
Cambisols). SMU16 moderately dissected plateau sandy clay
Geo-statistical analysis was performed using the ordinary loam, 0-2% slope, very strongly acidic, deep phase (Umbric
kriging interpolation technique within the spatial analyst Fluvisols). SMU17 up-stream lowland plains and plateau
extension module in ArcGIS 10.4 software package to sandy clay loam, >30% slope, very strongly acidic, very
determine the spatial variability of soil properties. Hereafter, shallow phase (Dystric Leptosols). SMU18 upstream lowland
the final soil map was produced where predictions were plains and plateau loam, 0-2% slope, extremely acidic, very
made for a discretization grid. The conceptual model used in deep phase (Humic Lixisols). SMU19 High to mountainous
this study was a discrete model of spatial variation [11] relief hills loam, clay loam and sandy loam, 15-30% slope,
which assumes that the landscape can be divided into distinct strongly acidic, moderately deep to very deep phase (Humic
polygons of ‘natural’ soil bodies. Lixisols and Humic Chromic Lixisols). SMU20 High to
mountainous relief hills loam, 2-8% slope, very strongly
3. Results and Discussions acidic, very deep phase (Humic-Rhodic Lixisols). SMU21
Upstream lowland plains and plateau sandyloam, 2-8% slope,
3.1. Soil Mapping Units strongly acidic, very deep phase (Humic-Chromic Lixisols).
SMU22 moderately dissected plateau clay loam, 0-2% slope,
Twenty eight soil mapping units (SMUs) were identified in very strongly acidic, moderately deep to deep phase (Umbric
112 Chalsissa Takele et al.: Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil Resources of Leka Dullecha District,
East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia

Nitisols). SMU23 moderately dissected plateau sandy loam upstream lowland plains and plateau loam, clay loam, 0-2%
and clay loam, 15-30% slope, moderately acidic, deep to very slope, very deep, extremely acidic, gilgai phase (Pellic-
deep phase (Mollic Nitisols). SMU24-moderately dissected Mesotrophic Vertisols). SMU27 upstream lowland plains and
plateau clay and loam, 2-8% slope, extremely acidic, plateau clay loam, 2- 8% slope, strongly acidic, very deep,
moderately deep to very deep phase (Mollic-Rhodic gilgai phase (Mesotrophic Vertisols). SMU28 upstream
Nitisols). SMU25 high to mountainous relief hills clay loam, lowland plains and plateau clay loam, 2-8% slope, strongly
sandy clay and sandy clay loam, 8-15% slope, strongly acidic, deep, gilgai phase (Pellic-Mesotrophic Vertisols)
acidic, very deep phase (Mollic-Rhodic Nitisols). SMU26 (Table1).

Figure 2. Distribution of soil mapping units (SMU) and profile pit points across landscape in the study area.

were observed over different landforms (SMU 8, 9, 10, 11,

3.2. Major Soils 12, 13, 14 and 15) including level plain and plateaus. This
In the study site, seven major soil types namely Cambisols, indicated that Cambisols formation was not limited by land
Acrisols, Nitisols, Lixisols, Vertisols, Fluvisols, and form and slope variations. Chromic- Dystric Cambisols
Leptosols. Covering 30.24% of the total area, Cambisols designated by SMU8 were developed moderately dissected
stand as the dominant soil type in the study site followed by plateau enriched with clay where as Leptic Cambisols
Acrisols (22.12%), while Leptosol constitutes only 0.4% of (Eutric) designated as SMU10 were identified at upper slope
the total area (Table 2 and Figure 3). Cambisols-soils position of plateaus in the cultivated land having >30%
containing Chromic-Dystric/Mollic-Eutric/Mollic-Rhodic slope. Covering 18649.64ha w/h becomes 30.24% of the total
surface horizon and cambic and leptic sub surface horizon area.

Table 1. Soil mapping units, major soil types and soil series with qualifiers, and selected physical and morphological properties.

DominantColor DominantTexture
SMU Major soil types and soil series Land cover (%)
Surface Sub-surface Surface Sub-surface
SMU1 UmbricAcrisols 1.56 7.5YR2.5/3 5YR2.5/1 L CL
SMU2 Leptic-HumicAcrisols 0.15 7.5YR3/2 2.5YR3/6 SCL C
SMU3 LepticAcrisols 13.76 10YR2/1 10YR3/2 SL SCL
 International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 2023; 8(3): 109-117 113

DominantColor DominantTexture
SMU Major soil types and soil series Land cover (%)
Surface Sub-surface Surface Sub-surface
SMU4 Humic-ChromicAcrisols 0.39 7.5YR3/1 5YR4/4 SCL SCL
SMU5 Umbric-ChromicAcrisols 0.14 5YR2.5/2 5YR3/3 SL CL
SMU6 Humic-ChromicAcrisols 7.45 5YR4/4 2.5YR3/4 L L
SMU7 Humic-ChromicAcrisols 3.66 7.5YR3/2 7.5YR3/1 SL SCL
SMU8 Chromic-DystricCambisols 1.54 5YR3/3 5YR3/4 C SL
SMU9 LepticCambisols 4.87 10YR2/1 5YR3/4 SL SL
SMU10 Chromic-EutricCambisols 1.01 7.5YR2.5/3 5YR3/4 C CL
SMU11 LepticCambisols 0.92 7.5YR3/2 7.5YR3/1 L L
SMU12 MollicCambisols 3.33 5YR2.5/2 5YR3/3 CL L
SMU13 Mollic Cambisols 0.41 7.5YR3/2 10YR3/1 SC L
SMU14 Mollic-Rhodic Cambisols 6.84 5YR3/3 5YR3/4 C SL
SMU15 Mollic-Chromic Cambisols 11.32 5YR3/2 5YR3/3 C CL
SMU16 Umbric Fluvisols 0.5 5YR3/3 5YR3/4 SC SCL
SMU17 Dystric Leptosols 0.4 5YR3/4 a SCL a
SMU18 Humic Lixisols 1.15 5YR3/2 2.5YR3/4 L C
SMU19 Humic Chromic Lixisols 9.34 5YR3/2 5YR2.5/2 SL CL
SMU20 Humic-Rhodic Lixisols 5.88 5YR3/3 5YR3/4 L L
SMU21 Humic-Chromic Lixisols 1.49 7.5YR3/2 5YR2.5/2 SL L
SMU22 Umbric Nitisols 0.23 2.5YR2.5/3 2.5YR4/6 CL C
SMU23 Mollic Nitisols 12.55 7.5YR3/3 5YR3/4 CL C
SMU24 Mollic-Rhodic Nitisols 4.88 2.5YR3/4 2.5YR3/3 C C
SMU25 Mollic-Rhodic Nitisols 3.4 5YR3/3 5YR3/4 C C
SMU26 Pellic-Mesotrophic Vertisols 0.35 10YR2/1 10YR2/1 L C
SMU27 Mesotrophic Vertisols 2.01 10YR4/3) 7.5YR3/2 CL C
SMU28 Pellic-Mesotrophic Vertisols 0.47 10YR2/1 10YR3/1 CL C

SMU, Soil mapping Unit; CL, Clay loam; L, Loam; SCL, Snady clay loam; C, Clay; SL, Sandy Loam; SC, Sandy Clay; S, Sandy. Though the dominant colour
was expressed based on Hue, it did not mean that soils with similar Hue had the same colour, because they differ in ‘value’ and ‘chroma’ resulting in colour
variation with depth within soil profiles and among SMUs. aSMU 17 (Leptosols) did not show subsurface colour and texture, since subsurface horizons were
absent.

The RSG of the Acrisols holds soils that are characterized 5YR3/2).
by accumulation of low activity clays in an argic subsurface It is distributed in the form of Mesotrophic Vertisols and
horizon and by a low base saturation level. Acrisols of the Pellic-Mesotrophic vertisols labelled by SMU 26, 27 and 28.
study area are the dominant soils found in the form of Constitute 1745.44ha (2.83%) of the total study area. They
Humic-Chromic Acrisols, Umbric-Chromic Acrisols, Leptic occurred on gentle slopes (1–2%) dominated by very deep
Acrisols, Humic-Abruptic Acrisols, Leptic Humic Acrisols, (>150 cm) loamy and clay soils. They were widespread at
Humic-Rhodic Acrisols, Umbric-Rhodic Acrisols, and lower slope position. Driessen, P. et al. [27], states the
Umbric Acrisols distributed in all the landscape units (SMU environment of Vertisols is depressions and level to
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7). This soil has an areal extent of undulating areas, mainly in tropical, semi-arid to sub humid
16724.92 (27.12%) of the major soils of the districts. and Mediterranean climates with an alternation of distinct
Nitisols are deep, well-drained, red, tropical soils with wet and dry seasons.
diffuse horizon boundaries and a subsurface horizon with Fluvisols were other major soils widely distributed along a
more than 30 percent clay and moderate to strong angular riverside intensively cultivated during dry season and flooded
blocky structure elements that easily fall apart into during rainy season. It is found in the form of Umbric
characteristic shiny, polyhedric (‘nutty’) elements. Nitisols Fluvisols in moderately dissected plateau developed on
are strongly weathered soils. The Nitisols of the study area volcanic materials and covering the total area of 306.17ha
are found in the form of Mollic Nitisols, Umbric Nitisols and (0.50%) of the total area. Although Umbric Fluvisols of the
Mollic-Rhodic Nitisols covering 12992.02ha (21.06%) of the SMU16 were identified in the plain and depression landforms
total area. Distributed in all the major soil and landscapes enclosing 0–2% slope. Because of seasonal deposition of
units of upstream and downstream lowland plains and finer soil materials, they showed loamy soils deeper than 200
plateau, moderately dissected plateau, and high to cm.
mountainous relief. As soils of the study site were highly variable, it was
Lixisols of the study area is found in the form of Humic difficult to recommend holistic management practice for the
Lixisols, Humic-Chromic Lixisols and Humic-Rhodic entire landscape. For this reason, the study site was classified
Lixisols designated in the soil mapping units of SMU 18, 19, into definite soil types at suitable scale for management.
20 and 21. It covers 347, 424 hectares (12.7%) of the total Understanding the role of several soil properties together, and
area. This mapping unit has a texture of loam, 0-2% slope, their interactions, may help to explain the cause of variation
very deep effective soil depth of >150cm, well drained, in soil productivity as defined by site-specific management
moderate medium sub angular blocky structure, moist zones. Management zones are needed when variation in soil
surface colour of black to dark reddish brown (10YR2/1 to characteristics that affect crop production like texture, soil
114 Chalsissa Takele et al.: Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil Resources of Leka Dullecha District,
East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia

fertility, acidity and so on is widespread [13, 14]. Following SMU9 was rated as strongly acidic; the pH of SMU1, SMU5
classification of the landscape into SMUs or management and SMU7 was slightly acidic; and the rest of the SMUs
zones, critical levels and ranges of soil properties were used were moderately acidic based on the rating adopted [15].
for management decisions. In that way, mean values of soil This indicated that SMU9 was not suitable for most crops
parameters under each SMU were compared with the critical and, thus, requires application of chemical amendments such
values adopted by scholars. This comparison helped to as lime. The productivity of slightly acidic SMUs might also
identify the limitations and potentials of each mapping unit. benefit from application of chemical amendments but still
That means, management requirement for each SMU would they could be cultivated by growing of acid tolerant crop
vary based on the critical levels. For instance, the pH of varieties.

Figure 3. Map of distribution of major soils across the study area.

and a decrease in OC. Except for SMU 9 and 11, all of the
3.3. Observed Variation in Soil Properties SMUs had mean values of accessible phosphorus that ranged
By dividing the research area into mapping units, it was from very low to low, according to Karltun, E. et al. [16].
possible to better understand individual soil attributes and However, variations in soil nutrient levels among the
soil-landscape connections. Soil fertility assessment for the different SMUs shown in Table 1 point to the necessity of
top plow layer of the mapping units was carried out after the variable rate fertilizer recommendations. This could be a
study site was divided into SMUs. The fertility status of the result of P being fixed in acidic soils. Additionally, due to the
mapping units varied. The analysis's findings indicated that effects of a plentiful agricultural yield, poor land
the most prevalent surface soil textural classes in the region management, and soil erosion, the availability of P in the
were clay loam, loam, clay, silt clay, silt clay laom, and silt majority of Ethiopian soils is continuously declining [17-19].
loam. Table 2 shows that, when the entire research region Variation in available P content of the SMUs could be due to
was taken into account, the pH ranged from 4.0 to 6.3, with differences in strength of acidity, organic matter content,
an average value of 4.9. K and P deficiencies may have been rocks, and amount of residual p-fertilizers found in the soils.
caused in the majority of SMUs by an increase in soil acidity
 International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 2023; 8(3): 109-117 115

Table 2. Minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of selected soil chemical properties for surface soils of the study area.

T.N O.C Av.P (ppm) Na K Ca Mg CEC BS (%)

Statistic pH (1:2.5) EA (cmol(+)Kg-1)
% (cmol(+)Kg-1)
Min. 4 0.1 0.06 0.68 1.75 0.1 0.01 0.43 0.35 1.08 17.6
Max. 6.3 9.4 0.52 5.99 42 0.45 2.31 19.55 7.79 27.94 61.6
Mean 4.9 1.76 0.24 2.75 9.2 0.23 0.64 10.94 4.09 15.9 32.47
SD (±) 0.61 2.47 0.08 0.93 11.41 0.11 0.6 5.83 2.28 8.25 11.74
CV 0.12 1.38 0.33 0.33 1.22 0.45 0.92 0.52 0.55 0.51 0.36

EA, exchangeable acids, OC, organic carbon; TN, total nitrogen; av. P, available phosphorus; CEC, cation exchange capacity; BS, Base saturation; Min,
Minimum; Max, maximum; SD, Standard deviation; CV, Coefficient of variation

The medium to high CEC in soils of the study site might in OC had possibly caused for K deficiency in most SMUs.
be ascribed to dominance of clay soils as OC content was According to the research [23] ratings, mean TN was found
generally low. We found that OC, av. P and to some extent K to be 0.06% (low) and 0.41% (high) in the SMU3 and
were the most limiting soil parameters in almost all SMUs. SMU10, respectively with the mean values of 0.24% and
Traditional crop residue burning after harvest and exhaustive other SMUs contain optimum TN.
grazing by livestock might be the main causes of extremely All SMU soils exhibited a reasonably medium to high
low soil OC in cultivated lands. High prevalence of soil exchangeable Ca and Mg content according to the article [24]
erosion, possibly due to overgrazing leading to low categorization. For the majority of crops, an exchangeable Ca
herbaceous cover, accounts for low soil OC stocks across value of at least 5 15.74 cmol (+)/kg soil is regarded as
different land cover types [20, 21]. Agricultural practices like sufficient. Exchangeable Ca ranged from 0.43 cmol (+)/kg
tillage can also accelerate depletion of soil nutrients and OC (low) to 15.74 cmol (+)/kg (high) based on identical author
stocks [22]. Hence, land management practices such as evaluations, with a mean value of 10.94 cmol (+)/kg. It is
conservation tillage, controlled grazing, crop residue thought that exchangeable magnesium that is larger than 1
incorporation and protecting land use change would be cmol (+)/kg soil is sufficient for plant feeding [25].
important strategies used to increase soil OC stock. Decrease

Table 3. Ratings for mean values of selected soil chemical properties based on the critical values adopted by [24] for exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and
CEC; [25] and OC; [26] for av. P; [15] for TN and soil pH.

T.N O.C CEC Na K Ca Mg

SMU pHRating Av.P (ppm) BS (%)
% (cmolc(+)Kg-1) (cmolc(+)Kg-1)
SMU1 vsa h l m l l m l l l
SMU2 sa l vl m m l vl m h m
SMU3 ma h m h h m h h h h
SMU4 sla m l h l l l m h m
SMU5 sa m l m m l vl m h m
SMU6 sa h l h l vl h m m l
SMU7 ma m l m l l h h m m
SMU8 sa m l m l l m l l l
SMU9 sa h l h h m vl h h m
SMU10 sa l vl vh l m vl h h m
SMU11 sa h l h h m l h h m
SMU12 sa h l vh l l m h h m
SMU13 ma h l vh m l m h h m
SMU14 sa m l m l l vl m h m
SMU15 ma m l vh l m h h h m
SMU16 sa m l vh l l vl vl l vl
SMU17 sa m l m l l m l l l
SMU18 sa h l h l m h h h h
SMU19 sa m l h l m m h h m
SMU20 sa h l vh l m h h h m
SMU21 vsa h l h l l l h h m
SMU22 sa m l h l vl h m m l
SMU23 sla m l h l l vh h h h
SMU24 vsa m vl m l l m l l l
SMU25 vsa m l h l l vl h h m
SMU26 sa m l h m l m m h m
SMU27 sa m vl h l m l h h m
SMU28 ma m l h l l m m m l

SMU, Soil Mapping Units; Sla, slightly acidic; Vsa, very strongly acidic; ma, moderately acidic; vl, very low; l, low; m, medium; h, high; vh, very high

Magnesium that might be exchanged was found in the soils of the the study area in amounts ranging from 0.35 to
116 Chalsissa Takele et al.: Characterization, Classification and Mapping Soil Resources of Leka Dullecha District,
East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia

7.79 cmol (+)/kg, with a standard deviation of 0.55. The (Table 2), and with a mean value of 15.9. They were higher
exchangeable potassium in the study area's surface soils is in the highland areas than the lowlands. Pearson correlation
classified on a scale from low to high, according to the matrix presented in Table 4 shows that OC was positively
research [25]. The average exchangeable K concentration and significantly correlated with TN (r2 = 0.999) at p < 0.001.
(0.64 cmol/kg) was at its highest point; nevertheless, due to Besides, exchangeable CEC was significantly and negatively
crop removal of exchangeable cations without replenishment, correlated with EA (r2 = -0.397) at p < 0.05. The moderate to
vertical movement, or leaching, there may be an increasing high CEC in soils of the study site might be ascribed to
loss of all exchangeable cations in the study area. Potassium dominance of clay soils as OC content was generally low.
uptake would decrease as Ca and Mg levels rose; conversely, According to the research [28], CEC depends on the nature
uptake of these two cations would rise as K levels rises [26]. and amount of colloidal particles.
The CEC of the soils ranged from 1.08 to 27.94cmolc kg-1

Table 4. Person correlation matrix among measured soil chemical properties.

pH EA T.N O.C Av.P Na K Ca Mg CEC

Variables BS (%)
(1:2.5) (cmol (+) Kg-1) % (ppm) (cmol(+)Kg-1)
pH (1:2.5) 1
EA -0.271 1
T.N 0.199 -0.029 1
O.C 0.182 -0.037 0.999** 1
Av.P 0.221 -0.141 0.443** 0.440** 1
Na -0.011 -0.089 0.280 0.278 0.503** 1
K 0.376* -0.300 0.466** 0.472** -0.002 0.092 1
Ca 0.263 -0.302 0.308 0.304 0.108 0.353 0.313 1
Mg 0.269 -0.284 0.297 0.289 0.164 0.373 0.233 0.944** 1
CEC 0.266 -0.397* 0.226 0.224 -0.057 -0.010 0.163 0.717** 0.686** 1
BS 0.251 -0.071 0.216 0.204 0.237 0.445* 0.244 0.725** 0.754** 0.115 1

EA, exchangeable acids, TN, total nitrogen OC, organic carbon;; Av.P, available phosphorus; CEC, cation exchange capacity; BS, Percent Base saturation.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations Acknowledgements

Soil and landscape information was the basis for The authors would like to thank Oromia Agricultural
delineating the landscape units. 28 SMUs and Seven major Research Institute for financial support and Nekemte soil
soils were identified in the study area. The SMU3 comprised research center for their support during soil analysis and the
largest areal coverage, while SMU5 constitutes the smallest. provision of some field tools.
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