Evaluating the influence of soil and water conservation practices and slope gradient on selected soil properties in the abagawudi watershed, northwest Ethiopia

Soil erosion continues to pose a significant threat in Ethiopia, despite the implementation of various soil conservation practices. This study explores the impacts of soil and water conservation practices and slope gradient on selected soil properties within the Abagawudi watershed, northwest Ethiopia, where conservation efforts have been ongoing for eight years. Composite soil samples were collected from three treatments (stone-faced soil bunds, soil bunds, and control) at regular intervals. Each treatment was replicated three times across the three slope classes, including lower (5–10%), middle (10–15%), and upper slopes (15%–30%). Soil samples from the top 20 cm were analyzed for physicochemical properties. A two-way ANOVA was conducted in SAS 9.2 to evaluate soil physicochemical properties. The results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in sand and clay content, soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) between conserved and non-conserved land, as well as across gradients. Soil conservation practices (stone-faced soil bund and soil bunds) generally improved soil properties compared to non-conserved land, with the exception of sand content and bulk density, which decreased. These findings suggest that stone-faced soil bunds and soil bunds are effective in improving soil health. Therefore, expanding these practices to untreated areas of the watershed and similar regions is recommended to improve soil fertility status.