Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Fenan Tola; Isihak Lolo; Feyissa Gurmu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Fenan Tola^*

, Isihak Lolo, Feyissa Gurmu

Published in International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (Volume 10, Issue 2)

Received: 17 March 2025 Accepted: 7 April 2025 Published: 28 April 2025

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Abstract

Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.

Published in	International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (Volume 10, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
Page(s)	68-79
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Composite, Saline Soil, Sodic Soil, Productivity, Soil Profile

References

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APA Style

Tola, F., Lolo, I., Gurmu, F. (2025). Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 10(2), 68-79. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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ACS Style

Tola, F.; Lolo, I.; Gurmu, F. Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Int. J. Nat. Resour. Ecol. Manag. 2025, 10(2), 68-79. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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AMA Style

Tola F, Lolo I, Gurmu F. Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Int J Nat Resour Ecol Manag. 2025;10(2):68-79. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12,
  author = {Fenan Tola and Isihak Lolo and Feyissa Gurmu},
  title = {Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {68-79},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  abstract = {Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

AU  - Fenan Tola
AU  - Isihak Lolo
AU  - Feyissa Gurmu
Y1  - 2025/04/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
T2  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
JF  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
JO  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
SP  - 68
EP  - 79
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3061
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
AB  - Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Fenan Tola

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-1265-4730
Isihak Lolo

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia
Feyissa Gurmu

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center, Yabello, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Tola, F., Lolo, I., Gurmu, F. (2025). Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 10(2), 68-79. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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ACS Style

Tola, F.; Lolo, I.; Gurmu, F. Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Int. J. Nat. Resour. Ecol. Manag. 2025, 10(2), 68-79. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

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AMA Style

Tola F, Lolo I, Gurmu F. Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Int J Nat Resour Ecol Manag. 2025;10(2):68-79. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12,
  author = {Fenan Tola and Isihak Lolo and Feyissa Gurmu},
  title = {Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {68-79},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnrem.20251002.12},
  abstract = {Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

AU  - Fenan Tola
AU  - Isihak Lolo
AU  - Feyissa Gurmu
Y1  - 2025/04/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
T2  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
JF  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
JO  - International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
SP  - 68
EP  - 79
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3061
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251002.12
AB  - Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.

VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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