Deforestation in Ethiopia leading to declining soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
The study looked at how different types of land use and soil depth affect soil properties in Agedit watershed, Ethiopia. They found that land use types like forests, grazing, and cultivation have a big impact on soil quality, affecting things like soil texture, pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Soil in the top 20cm had higher levels of nutrients and organic matter compared to soil in the 20-40cm depth. Changing from forest to other land uses led to a decrease in soil fertility, which can harm agricultural productivity. This shows the importance of protecting forests and improving soil health for sustainable farming.