Geo-statistical Prediction of Salt Affected Soils of Meki-Zeway

Salinity and sodicity-induced soil degradation is a major environmental constraint with severe negative impacts on agricultural productivity and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in arid semi-arid and rift valley lowlands of Ethiopia. Identification of types of salt affected soils and determination of extent and spatial distribution particularly in its early stage is critically important to enable undertaking of appropriate measures accordingly. The study was conducted at Meki-Zeway irrigated farm areas during 2018-2019 with objective to investigate extent and spatial distribution of salt-affected soils. Following standard analytical method collected soil samples were analyzed for particle size distribution pH EC CEC The soils were classified into different salt-affected soils according to the standard guidelines. The spatial prediction and mapping was carried out in QGIS and ArcGIS environment. The study underlines the need for further research on rehabilitation of affected farms and preventive measures against further expansion of soil salinization and sodiciation.