Assessment of Soil Chemical Properties and Coffee Leaf Analysis in Goma Woreda of Oromia Region

Abstract

Information on soil test and plant analysis is essential for sustainable soil fertility management and crop production. Conversely, this is lacking for smallholder coffee farms in Gomma district, Southwestern Ethiopia. Thus, the objectives of this study were to assess and determine the nutritional status of the soil–plant relation from coffee growing farms in Gomma district. Accordingly, soil samples, coffee leaves 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, descriptive statistics was used. Results showed that the soil pH ranged from strongly to moderately acidic (pH 4.72–5.75) and low to medium in their organic matter (2.68–4.72%) content. Total N content was low in 20% of the samples, while 100% of the soil samples found to be deficient in P content. Exchangeable Ca ranged from low to high, exchangeable Mg in all soil samples was medium, while exchangeable K ranged medium to very high. Nevertheless, K to Mg ratio varied from 0.64:1 to 2.62:1, indicating Mg induced K deficiency in 10%. The plant tissue analysis depicted that 50, 60 and 50% low in N, P and K, respectively, while high in Ca and Mg concentrations. Significant and positive correlations of soil phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium with tissue concentration were existed. For sound conclusion, soil test and crop response calibration, appropriate soil, N, P, K, organic fertilizers and lime are recommended for future work.