Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review
Abstract Land degradation is a global challenge including Ethiopia, significantly affecting soil quality and bread wheat yield. Soil erosion, driven by rapid population growth and unsustainable land use, leads to nutrient depletion and declining yields, particularly in the highlands. However, the im...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01516-y |
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| author | Yohannes Gelaye Menwyelet Shumie Sintayehu Musie |
| author_facet | Yohannes Gelaye Menwyelet Shumie Sintayehu Musie |
| author_sort | Yohannes Gelaye |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Land degradation is a global challenge including Ethiopia, significantly affecting soil quality and bread wheat yield. Soil erosion, driven by rapid population growth and unsustainable land use, leads to nutrient depletion and declining yields, particularly in the highlands. However, the impact of biophysical SWC practices on soil properties and wheat productivity remains underexplored. This review examines how biophysical SWC measures influence soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia. A range of biophysical SWC techniques, including stone bunds, soil bunds, fanya juu, check dams, and microbasins, have been implemented to reduce soil erosion, improve moisture retention, and enhance soil fertility. Vegetative conservation strategies, such as grass cover, tree planting, and vegetation strips, further contribute to soil stabilization and nutrient cycling. Studies have shown that the implementation of biophysical SWC practices significantly improves soil quality and wheat productivity. Farmlands managed with these interventions exhibit increased soil organic matter, enhanced moisture retention, and improved water infiltration. These improvements contribute to better soil structure and overall fertility, leading to yield increases of up to 30% compared to non-conserved areas. In addition, the integration of biophysical conservation measures positively affects grain quality, making biophysical SWC a vital strategy for sustainable wheat production. Thus, investing in these strategies is crucial for sustaining soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4beb0efc63d54b20974b5da2885eba66 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2662-9984 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj-art-4beb0efc63d54b20974b5da2885eba662025-08-20T03:42:19ZengSpringerDiscover Sustainability2662-99842025-07-016111610.1007/s43621-025-01516-yImpact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic reviewYohannes Gelaye0Menwyelet Shumie1Sintayehu Musie2College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Debre Markos UniversityCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Debre Markos UniversityCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Debre Markos UniversityAbstract Land degradation is a global challenge including Ethiopia, significantly affecting soil quality and bread wheat yield. Soil erosion, driven by rapid population growth and unsustainable land use, leads to nutrient depletion and declining yields, particularly in the highlands. However, the impact of biophysical SWC practices on soil properties and wheat productivity remains underexplored. This review examines how biophysical SWC measures influence soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia. A range of biophysical SWC techniques, including stone bunds, soil bunds, fanya juu, check dams, and microbasins, have been implemented to reduce soil erosion, improve moisture retention, and enhance soil fertility. Vegetative conservation strategies, such as grass cover, tree planting, and vegetation strips, further contribute to soil stabilization and nutrient cycling. Studies have shown that the implementation of biophysical SWC practices significantly improves soil quality and wheat productivity. Farmlands managed with these interventions exhibit increased soil organic matter, enhanced moisture retention, and improved water infiltration. These improvements contribute to better soil structure and overall fertility, leading to yield increases of up to 30% compared to non-conserved areas. In addition, the integration of biophysical conservation measures positively affects grain quality, making biophysical SWC a vital strategy for sustainable wheat production. Thus, investing in these strategies is crucial for sustaining soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity in Ethiopia.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01516-yBiological measuresConservation measuresLand degradationSoil erosion |
| spellingShingle | Yohannes Gelaye Menwyelet Shumie Sintayehu Musie Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review Discover Sustainability Biological measures Conservation measures Land degradation Soil erosion |
| title | Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review |
| title_full | Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review |
| title_fullStr | Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review |
| title_short | Impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in Ethiopia: a bibliographic review |
| title_sort | impact of biophysical soil and water conservation practices on soil quality and bread wheat yield in ethiopia a bibliographic review |
| topic | Biological measures Conservation measures Land degradation Soil erosion |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01516-y |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT yohannesgelaye impactofbiophysicalsoilandwaterconservationpracticesonsoilqualityandbreadwheatyieldinethiopiaabibliographicreview AT menwyeletshumie impactofbiophysicalsoilandwaterconservationpracticesonsoilqualityandbreadwheatyieldinethiopiaabibliographicreview AT sintayehumusie impactofbiophysicalsoilandwaterconservationpracticesonsoilqualityandbreadwheatyieldinethiopiaabibliographicreview |