Influence of Slope Gradient on Coffee Soil Fertility in Goma Woreda of Oromia Region

This study was to evaluate the influence slope gradient on coffee soil fertility. Accordingly, soil samples, and field history were collected from 10 coffee farms during pinhead phase. Soil samples collected from 0-30 cm depth were prepared and analyzed in the laboratory following standard procedures. For data analysis, one-way ANOVA was used. The results revealed that coffee cultivations have practiced under wide range of slope gradients in study sites. Variations in slope gradients significantly influenced the coffee soil fertility. Consequently, OM, clay, CEC, available P, Mg and Na generally showed a decreasing trend with increasing slope gradient, whereas sand was opposite. For sound conclusion, appropriate soil and water conservation measures, N, P, K, organic fertilizers are recommended for future work.

Keywords: Slope; Soil properties; Soil test; Soil fertility