Abstract:
Runoff and erosion problems are commonly observed in the study area due to its steep and
plugged topography which has an adverse impact on soil physicochemical properties and crop
productivity. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of slope positions and aspects on
selected soil physicochemical properties in Mesk watershed, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
in 2019/2020 cropping season. The treatment was composed of four slope positions (lower
slope, middle slope, upper slope and summit) with two aspects (north and south) arranged in
randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. A total of 24 disturbed and
undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth and prepared and analyzed to
determine selected soil physicochemical properties following the standard laboratory
procedures. The collected data were analyzed using the analysis of variance general linear
model procedure of SAS software version 9.0. The result showed that, all soil physicochemical
properties were highly significantly (P ≤ 0.01) varied among the slope positions, except for silt;
while pH (H
2
O), OM, TN and ex. K were highly significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected by aspects.
Statistically highest mean clay content, TP, pH, OM, TN, Av. P, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg,
K and Na), CEC and PBS were obtained from the lower slope position as compared to other
slope positions. By contrary, the mean values of, BD, extractable Fe, Mn and Cu were higher
in the upper slope as compared to other slope positions. Whereas, extractable Zn was higher in
the middle slope and the lower in the upper slope position. Furthermore, the higher mean clay,
pH, OM, TN, Av. P, exchangeable basic cations (Ca
xiii
2+
, Mg
2+
, K
+
and Na
+
), CEC and PBS
contents were recorded in the north aspect as compared to south aspect. In conclusion, slope
position and aspect significantly affected selected soil physicochemical properties of Mesk study
area. Therefore, integrated soil fertility management practices should be in place to improve
the soil physicochemical properties and sustainable agricultural production in Mesk watershed.