Phosphorous Sorption Characteristics of Soils in Smallholding Land Use in Southern Ethiopia

Purpose. This study evaluated the P sorption characteristics of soils under smallholding land use in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. Soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from each home garden, grazing land, cropland, and woodlot three replications at two sites analyzed for isotherm data selected soil properties. Results. The generated by equilibration with solutions fitted Freundlich model (r2 = 0.88–0.98, SE 0.16–0.24) Langmuir 0.81–0.98, 0.45–1.71). maximum (Qmax) coefficient (Kf) highest cropland while these parameters lowest garden. Maximum buffering capacity (MBC) was order > garden but (PBC) followed woodlot. bonding energy (bL) phosphate affinity (1/n) cropland. Qmax positively correlated (p < 0.05) clay, Kf, PBC, oxalate dithionates extractable Al, Fe, Mn, it negatively pH, SOC, AP bL. Conclusion. Generally, effect slightly different eucalyptus lands considerably high attributed to amorphous crystalline Fe/Al oxides/hydroxides, low pH. Hence, combinations managements are required increasing availability uses.