The dynamics between soil erosion, nutrient variability, land use, topography, and implications for food security in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

AbstractUnderstanding the complex interplay between soil erosion, nutrient variability, land use and topography is crucial for sustainable agriculture. However, attempts to link these environmental factors with food security got less attention. This study examined the relationship between soil erosion, nutrient variation and the effects on food security in Gibe III dam area. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from 384 households, focus group discussion and Key informant interviews. A logit and food balance sheet models were employed for survey data analysis. Twenty-seven soil samples were taken from three land uses. Two-way Anova was used for statistical analysis of soil data. Results showed that 84% of the farmers perceived soil erosion. Food security had significantly associated with family size, extension services and slope at 5%. Food-secure and insecure households consumed 3102.922 and 1072.995 kcal on average, respectively. CEC was highest in grazing land (31 C mol kg−1) followed by forestland (26.4 C mol kg−1) and lowest in crop land (24.2 C mol kg−1). AP was highest (5.4 mg kg−1) in forest land followed by crop land (2.9 mg kg−1) while lowest (2 mg kg−1) in grazing land. The interaction effect of land use and slope on soil organic matter was significant [F(4, 18) = 93, p = .05], with partial eta squared of 0.95, total nitrogen [F(4, 18) = 47.4, p = .05] (partial eta squared = 0.91) and bulk density [F(4, 18)= 4.7, p = .05] (partial eta squared = 0.5). Sand varied in cropland (65.33%) followed by grazing land (62.67%) compared to forestland. Sustainable land use management should be implemented.

Keywords

• Agriculture
• Food security
• Land use
• Soil erosion
• Soil management
• topography