Investigation of the impact of short-term tillage practices on soil properties at various depths in light soils of the highlands of Central Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: Soil degradation caused by repeated shallow tillage had remained a major challenge in Ethiopian highland farming systems. Traditional tillage often resulted in shallow disturbance, compaction, and poor residue incorporation, which reduced soil fertility and crop productivity. This study investigates the comparative effects of traditional and modified plow practices on soil properties in Chefa Kebele, Central Ethiopia, focusing on physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics at varying soil depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, and 20-25 cm), wheat-based light soils. Traditional tillage, employing the oxen-drawn 'Maresha' plow, was evaluated against a modified plow designed to enhance soil structure and fertility. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and dat

SUBMITTER: Yohannes D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12618533 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature