The Effects of Land Use Types on Soil Quality Indicators: Analysis of the Upper Gibe Watershed in Western Ethiopia

Land use changes affect soil quality, especially in environmentally vulnerable locations like Ethiopia's Western Highlands' Upper Gibe Watershed. Forest, pasture, and agricultural land were assessed for soil quality indicators in this study. In 60 composite soil samples (0–20 cm), particle size distribution, permeability, pH, organic carbon, total ash, accessible phosphorus, and cationic exchange capacity were studied. Significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were seen between land use types. Forest land had the most organic carbon (3.71%), total nitrogen (0.32%), available phosphorus (14.93 mg/kg), and cationic exchange capacity (38.1 cmol(+)/kg), indicating better soil health. In contrast, cultivated land has lower organic carbon (1.65%), total nitrogen (0.11%), and cationic exchange capacity (21.6% cmol(+)/kg) and higher soil bulk density (1.23 g/cm³), indicating depletion in soil quality. Most likely due to excessive tillage and a lack of organic inputs, forest land has moderate values but a higher bulk density (1.23 g/cm³). Soil pH was between 5.8 and 6.7 and was somewhat acidic to neutral. The study emphasizes the need for improved soil management practices tailored to certain land use types to improve soil sustainability. Journal of Science, Technology and Arts Research, Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025)