Soil Nutrient Status in Selected Potato Growing Districts of West shoa Zone as Determined through Different Methods

Abstract

A study was conducted in West shoa Zone of Oromiya State to investigate the soil nutrient status of potato fields in major potato growing districts. Soil samples from a depth of 0-30 cm were collected from six districts namely; Jeldu, Tikur Inchini, Jibat, Cheliya, Ejere, and Wolmera during the Belg (March-June) cropping season of 2012 to analyze for nutrient contents. Soil pH was determine using both water and 0.01M CaCl in a ratio 1:2.5; the organic matter (OC) content was determined using both Walkley and Black and CNS methods. Available phosphorus content by the CAL and Olsen methods. The potassium content of the soil was extracted with Calcium Acetate Lactate (CAL) solution. Total nitrogen and sulfur content were determined by using CNS auto analyzer. Results showed that the soil pH of most of the surveyed areas ranged from moderately acidic to strongly acidic. The organic matter rated in the very high (52.2% of sampled sites) and high (36.6% of sites sampled). In conclusion, the status of all other soil nutrients of the surveyed areas were in good condition, except the phosphorus where nearly 70% of the soil phosphorus status was rated low, very low and extremely low according to Olsen P test.