Review Article
Distribution, Characteristics, and Fertility Constraints of Salt-Affected Soils in Ethiopia: A Review
Tesfaye Tadesse*,
Anbessa Teshale,
Amanuel Jorge,
Yitagesu Girma
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
91-100
Received:
12 June 2026
Accepted:
8 July 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
Abstract: Salt-affected soils are a major constraint to agricultural productivity and sustainable land management in Ethiopia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Rift Valley, Afar, and Somali lowlands. These soils, including saline, sodic, and saline-sodic types, cover approximately 11 million hectares, or 36% of the country’s total land area. Their distribution is influenced by natural factors such as parent material, low rainfall, and high evaporation, as well as human-induced factors including poor irrigation, inadequate drainage, deforestation, and overgrazing. High concentrations of soluble salts and sodium degrade soil structure, reduce water retention, hinder root development, increase osmotic potential, induce specific ion toxicity, and disrupt nutrient availability, collectively limiting crop growth, soil fertility, and livestock productivity. These effects contribute to higher production costs, lower agricultural yields, and reduced livelihoods, aggravating food insecurity in affected regions. Effective management and reclamation of salt-affected soils require integrated strategies combining physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Key interventions include leaching excess salts, improving irrigation and drainage systems, applying chemical amendments such as gypsum and H₂SO₄, incorporating organic matter, practicing crop rotation, and cultivating salt-tolerant or halophytic species that use salt exclusion, compartmentalization, and excretion mechanisms. Sustainable land-use planning, long-term monitoring, region-specific research, and community-based approaches are essential to mitigate salinity impacts and maintain soil productivity. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on the distribution, characteristics, and fertility constraints of salt-affected soils in Ethiopia, highlighting management practices and research gaps to guide policy, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability in lowland agro-ecologies.
Abstract: Salt-affected soils are a major constraint to agricultural productivity and sustainable land management in Ethiopia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Rift Valley, Afar, and Somali lowlands. These soils, including saline, sodic, and saline-sodic types, cover approximately 11 million hectares, or 36% of the country’s total land ...
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Research Article
Assessment of Activity of Fungal Lipase on Certain Established Parameters of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Brendan Chibuike Kenneth,
Amadi Benjamin Emenike,
Agbo Esther Ujunwa,
Iloeje Mmesomma Maryjane,
Njoku Mary Jane,
Obi Anasthesia Chinwendu,
Oparaji Henry Emeka*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
101-108
Received:
4 October 2025
Accepted:
21 October 2025
Published:
2 September 2026
Abstract: POME a bye product in palm oil processing industry is a contaminant with a high organic chemistry implication. POME is a highly polluting product, consisting of 0.7% (w/v) protein, 5% (w/v) total organic carbon, 20% total organic matter contents, 93% (w/v) water and salts the present study was carried out at a local palm oil milling center located at Umunneochi present day Abia state, Nigeria. Aspergillus sp was isolated from palm oil mill effluent impacted soil using culture dependent techniques. The organism was confirmed Aspergillus was identified using standard microbiology and biochemical techniques respectively. Lipase producing capability of the organisms was screened in an optimized culture broth in the presence of p-NPP. Yellow coloration of the broth confirms the exo-lipase secretory of the bacteria. Lipase production peaked on day 5 of the fermentation. Physicochemical properties of the palm oil mill effluent were: pH (6.0), conductivity (617 Ω-1cm-1), DO (6.21 mg/ml), BOD5 (4.89 mg/ml), TOC (102.34 mg/ml), TOM (125.87 mg/ml), Ca and Mg (34.15 mg/ml; 9.87 mg/ml). Lipase impact on the POME peaked at pH 5.0 after 168 hour with TOC/TOM contents of 56.2/68.15 mg/ml. DO/BOD5 at the respective conditions were 4.52 and 2.89. Decrease in the organic matter contents were seen in tangent with increase in lipase concentration. The present study showed the kinetic properties of lipase from Aspergillus sp. in remediation effluents such as POME as it was evident in the significant reduction in the organic matter contents of the POME.
Abstract: POME a bye product in palm oil processing industry is a contaminant with a high organic chemistry implication. POME is a highly polluting product, consisting of 0.7% (w/v) protein, 5% (w/v) total organic carbon, 20% total organic matter contents, 93% (w/v) water and salts the present study was carried out at a local palm oil milling center located ...
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