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Soil and Irrigation Water Salinity, and Its Consequences for Agriculture in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Negash Tessema

    (Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering, Haramaya Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia)

  • Dame Yadeta

    (Natural Resources Management Department, College of Dry Land Agriculture, Samara University, Samara P.O. Box 132, Ethiopia)

  • Asfaw Kebede

    (Haramaya Institute of Technology, Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering Department, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia)

  • Gebiaw T. Ayele

    (Australian Rivers Institute and School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, Australia)

Abstract

The salt problem in Ethiopia has been further exacerbated by a number of factors, including poor water quality, ineffective on-farm water management techniques, and a lack of appropriate and technically sound drainage infrastructure at irrigation sites. Despite its importance, no systematic review or documentation of the extent and consequences of the problem has been made so far. This scientific review primarily focuses on original studies published in the country, notably in arid and semi-arid regions where salinity issues have a significant influence. The data indicated that soil and irrigation water salinity have a substantial link with crops and agricultural communities in Ethiopia. Salinity has a significant impact on soil and water fertility, resulting in poorer agricultural production, food insecurity, and poverty. Salinity has a significant impact on crops in the country, from the germination stages to the harvesting stages during the growing season. If the current state of soil and water management continues, the severity of both soil and irrigation water salinity will reach an irreversible level that significantly impedes the country’s agricultural production capacity. As a result, cultured irrigation water treatment, crop selection based on salinity and sodicity levels, irrigation water quality, leaching, and fertilizer use in combination with organic manures are scientifically proven actions to address the salinity problem. Furthermore, to adequately reclaim and manage salinity in Ethiopia’s dryland saline zone, multi-stakeholder participation is required.

Suggested Citation

  • Negash Tessema & Dame Yadeta & Asfaw Kebede & Gebiaw T. Ayele, 2022. "Soil and Irrigation Water Salinity, and Its Consequences for Agriculture in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2022:i:1:p:109-:d:1020657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gebremeskel, Gebremedhin & Gebremicael, T.G. & Kifle, Mulubrehan & Meresa, Esayas & Gebremedhin, Teferi & Girmay, Abbadi, 2018. "Salinization pattern and its spatial distribution in the irrigated agriculture of Northern Ethiopia: An integrated approach of quantitative and spatial analysis," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 147-157.
    2. Girma, Michael M., 2007. "Irrigation practices in Ethiopia: characteristics of selected irrigation schemes," IWMI Working Papers H040632, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Tomislav Hengl & Gerard B M Heuvelink & Bas Kempen & Johan G B Leenaars & Markus G Walsh & Keith D Shepherd & Andrew Sila & Robert A MacMillan & Jorge Mendes de Jesus & Lulseged Tamene & Jérôme E Tond, 2015. "Mapping Soil Properties of Africa at 250 m Resolution: Random Forests Significantly Improve Current Predictions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(6), pages 1-26, June.
    4. Katherine Tully & Clare Sullivan & Ray Weil & Pedro Sanchez, 2015. "The State of Soil Degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Baselines, Trajectories, and Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-30, May.
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