SOIL QUALITY INDEX ANALYSIS UNDER HORTICULTURAL FARMING IN SUMANI UPPER WATERSHED

Abstract

The intensive use of land for farming and horticulture results in soil degradation.  The loss of nutrient elements contributes to the  decline in soil quality index.  This study aimed to investigate the major factors that contribute to soil degradation  in the in the upper section of the Sumani Basin.  Soil quality index is obtained as an indicator of soil functions. Thus, this study used this parameter to investigate the factors that contribute to the decrease in soil fertility. A purposeful random sampling method was used to obtain samples from different sample points. The biophysical properties of the soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory at the Department of soil science.  The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the samples were carried out by using a data processing application software (mini tap 17.0). These results were used to determine the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for each soil sample.  This research study showed that the two types of soil obtained from the various sample points were inceptisol and andisol. The major factors that influence soil quality include bulk density, soil CEC, root depth, and soil texture. The soil sample obtained from the third farmland group (Group C) had the best soil quality.