ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Yohannes Gerezihier G*, Bajigo A, Yohannes M and Tsegay weldu
In most cases, dam construction may have several overrunning social and economic purposes. Likewise, the Elbahi dam was constructed with multiple aims mainly to function for irrigation, water supply for other needs while targeting the protection of lower catchments from flood problems. The study area was stratified into two based on the slope gradient to take the soil samples. Water samples were also collected from the dam for analysis. As a result of erosive runoff that leads to a high amount of eroded and deposited particles, clay loam soil texture (fine) is dominant in the lower catchment, while loam soil texture (coarser) is inhabited in the upper catchment. Higher values of soil bulk density and available soil P were recorded at upper catchment whereas the highest value of soil porosity, organic matter, soil K and soil TN were recorded in the lower part of the catchment. The quality of water in the Elbahi dam shows the permissible limit of the WHO and FAO set for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water pH, EC, and temperature of the Elbahi dam was likely suitable for aquatic lives. However, due to sheet and rill erosion from mismanaged agricultural and grazing systems in the watershed, the water level has shown lower, and sediment deposited. Furthermore, the discharge of domestic waste and washing of different vehicles at and around the reservoir may be the treat to the soil physicochemical and water quality deterioration.
Keywords: Soil Physicochemical Properties; Water Quality; Catchment; Elbahi Dam
