Characterization and classification of soils of Wolkite University research sites, Ethiopia

The main purpose of this study was to characterize and classify soils of Wolkite University research sites, Gurage zone, Ethiopia. In each five research sites, Wabe (RS1), Geche (RS2), Yefereze (RS3), Kotergedra (RS4) and Keratemo (RS5), representative pedons were opened and described. Almost all the pedons were deep (>150 cm) with argillic B horizons and had clay textural class. The pH of the surface soils ranged from strongly acidic (4.5) to moderately acidic (5.6). The soils had medium (2.60%) to high (3.84%) organic carbon content and very low (1.46 mg kg-1) to low (10.34 mg kg-1) available phosphorus. The status of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation were ranged from medium (23.15) to very high (66.32 cmolc kg-1) and low (33%) to high (99%), respectively. According to WRB classification, pedon RS1 was classified as Haplic Vertisols (Hypereutric) with USD equivalent of Typic Haplusterts. Pedons RS2 and RS3 were classified as Vertic Alisols (Hyperdysric), which is correlated with Ultisols (Typic Haplustults) in USDA classification. Pedon RS4 and RS5 classified as Vertic Luvisols (Hypereutric), which is correlated with Alfisols (Vertic Haplustalfs) in USDA classification. Generally, the soils of the research sites were acidic with low status of available phosphorus, which need amelioration of soil acidity and nutrient management