Impact of grazing around a watering point on soil status of a semi-arid rangeland in Ethiopia
Date
2007
Authors
Gebremeskel K.
Pieterse P.J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The influence of long-term livestock grazing on the soil status of a semi-arid rangeland was studied along a grazing gradient from a watering point in southern Afar Region of Ethiopia for two seasons. The soil samples were analysed for organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+), acidity (pH), cation exchange capacity, and particle size distribution (clay, silt and sand). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed for particle size distribution, OC, N, P and K contents along the grazing gradient further than 1500 m from the watering point. Ca2+ and Mg2+ were found to be dominant cations particularly in the severely degraded area contributing about 74% to the exchangeable cations. The study has also recognized high concentrations of Na+ and more than 11% exchangeable sodium percentage. Total exchangeable bases significantly declined (P < 0.05) along the grazing gradient and were indicative of the exchange complex of the soil being saturated with Ca2+ and Mg 2+ ions. Thus this study concluded that there are soil differences in the grazing gradient caused by impact of grazing, particularly in the severely degraded area. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Description
Keywords
grazing pressure, ion exchange, particle size, phosphorus, rangeland, semiarid region, size distribution, soil carbon, soil fertility, soil nitrogen, watering point, Afar, Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Sub-Saharan Africa
Citation
African Journal of Ecology
45
1
45
1