| Summary: | In this study, physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soils of some cereal crops in Ambo Woreda, West Shoa in Ethiopia have been investigated. Soil samples were collected from four different localities, viz. Awaro, Senkele, Meja and Guder, and their edaphic characteristics are determined. The soils are dominated by clay (40.4-45.8%) along with coarse particles of sand. Bulk density, organic carbon (1.52-1.81%) and electrical conductivity (1.3-1.9 dSm) are low in all the soil samples. The soils are acidic with pH varying from 6.2 to 6.7. There are similarities in the relatively low content of available phosphorus (1.4-2.4 mg kg-1) and high available nitrogen content (480-986 mg kg-1) in all the soil samples while available potassium content (240-496 mg kg-1) is found to be medium in Awaro soil but high in the other three soil samples. Deficiencies are observed in the levels of available micro-nutrients (Cu: 1.2-1.8 µg g-1, Zn: 1.2-1.8 µg g-1 and Mn: 3.2-3.8 µg g-1) while the Fe content is sufficient in all the soil samples (340-496 µg g-1). With proper soil management, the farmlands studied are recommended for the cultivation of cereal crops.
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