Studies on physico chemical properties of selected soils in kindo koysha district, southern Ethiopia

A study was conducted on agricultural soils in Kindo Koysha District, Southern Ethiopia, with the objective of evaluating soil physico chemical properties. Physical and chemical characteristics of soils were evaluated using standard methods. Soil properties varied according to the sites. pH varied from strongly acidic (4.7) to slightly acidic (6.5). The levels of organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (N) were 1 to 1.83% and 0.086 to 0.157%, respectively. The soil OC contents were in low to moderate range. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) in all the studied sites was greater than 10. The available phosphorus (P) contents of the soils in all studied sites were qualifying very low range. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils ranged from 3.4 (low) to 21.5 Cmol(+) kg-1 (moderate). The textural classification was sandy loam in all sites. Therefore, researchers, local farmers and investors give due to attention for site specific fertilizer management and selecting varieties which resist soil acidity.