Long Term Sugarcane Cultivation Effect on Selected Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Soils at Three Ethiopian Sugarcane Estates

The long term use of heavy weighted agricultural vehicles for sugarcane cultivation has caused lasting soil physical and hydraulic properties altering. However, information on the extent change is scant. In this context, a study was conducted in 2017 to investigate effect mechanized status at three pioneer Ethiopian Sugar Estates. order achieve objective, Composite core samples were collected from 0-30 layer fields laboratory analysis. Results indicated that soils under had higher clay contents than uncultivated soils. bulk density total porosity values out optimum ranges cultivation. Soils available water holding capacity Available estates above threshold value ideal mean basic infiltration rate land greater cultivated lands. From these findings one can conclude induces compaction which decreased pore space mainly by increasing fineness existing management based pF2 classes poorly related with parameters. gradual releasing behaviors manifested Estates could be considered as an asset yield per if accompanied good managements. Hence, maintain sustainability production estates; practices protect/ ameliorate are important. Nevertheless, develop concrete recommendation measure effects state further research studies needed.