Impact of land use changes on soil physical quality in southeastern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of land use changes on soil physical quality in southeastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia, using the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) method. Soil samples were collected from cropland, grassland, and shrubland sites during two field seasons and assessed using VESS, complemented by non-linear scoring and a weighted additive soil quality index. Results revealed significant variation in soil structural quality among land uses, with shrubland exhibiting the best physical condition and cropland the poorest. Strong correlations were observed between VESS scores and physicochemical properties, supporting the method’s effectiveness for evaluating soil compaction and aggregate stability. This study demonstrates the suitability of VESS as a cost-effective, field-based tool for soil quality monitoring, especially in resource-constrained settings. The findings have implications for land use planning and support the integration of visual methods into sustainable soil management practices.