7. What are the main characteristics of Ethiopian agro-climatic zones? 8. Explain the major drainage systems of Ethiopia. 9. What are the Major characteristics of Ethiopian rivers? 10. List and explain the major soil types and their distribution in Ethiopia 11. Compare and contrast the natural vegetation of Ethiopian highlands and lowlands in terms of climate, soil type, and human influence. S1 WS 4 G 92017

### 7. Main Characteristics of Ethiopian Agro-Climatic Zones Ethiopia is divided into several agro-climatic zones based on variations in climate, altitude, soil types, and agricultural practices. These zones are crucial for determining suitable crops and farming methods. The main agro-climatic zones in Ethiopia include: 1. **Köppen Climate Classification-Based Zones:** - **Tropical Highland Climate (Alpine):** - **Altitude:** 2,400 to 3,000 meters above sea level. - **Climate:** Moderate temperatures with significant rainfall. - **Agriculture:** Suitable for crops like teff, wheat, barley, and enset. - **Temperate Highland Climate:** - **Altitude:** 1,800 to 2,400 meters. - **Climate:** Cooler than lowlands with distinct wet and dry seasons. - **Agriculture:** Maize, sorghum, pulses, and coffee. - **Subtropical Highland Climate:** - **Altitude:** 1,200 to 1,800 meters. - **Climate:** Warmer than temperate highlands. - **Agriculture:** Teff, maize, millet, and vegetables. - **Lowland Tropical Climate:** - **Altitude:** Below 1,200 meters. - **Climate:** Hot with less rainfall, prone to droughts. - **Agriculture:** Sorghum, maize, sesame, and cotton. 2. **Moisture Availability-Based Zones:** - **Moist Moisture Zone:** Areas with high rainfall supporting diverse crops. - **Dry Moisture Zone:** Regions with moderate rainfall requiring irrigation. - **Extremely Dry Zone:** Arid areas dependent on drought-resistant crops. 3. **Temperature-Based Zones:** - **Highland Areas:** Cooler temperatures suitable for temperate crops. - **Lowland Areas:** Warmer temperatures ideal for tropical crops. ### 8. Major Drainage Systems of Ethiopia Ethiopia's drainage systems are primarily divided into two major basins: 1. **Mediterranean (Nile) Drainage Basin:** - **Major Rivers:** - **Blue Nile (Abay):** Originates at Lake Tana, a significant tributary contributing about 80% of the Nile's water. - **Atbarah River:** Flows into the Nile from the west. - **Omo River:** Tributary contributing to Lake Turkana, part of the Nile basin. - **Baro River:** Joins the Sobat River, contributing to the Nile system. - **Characteristics:** - Extensive river networks with perennial flow in highlands. - Important for hydroelectric power, irrigation, and transportation. 2. **Caspian (Lakes) Drainage Basin:** - **Major Lakes and Rivers:** - **Awash River:** Flows towards the Afar Depression, ending in playas. - **Shebelle River:** Flows into Somalia, often dries up seasonally. - **Genale River:** Drains into the Jubba River in Somalia. - **Characteristics:** - Many rivers are seasonal or intermittent. - Drains towards inland depressions and adjacent seas. ### 9. Major Characteristics of Ethiopian Rivers Ethiopian rivers exhibit diverse characteristics influenced by the country's topography and climate: 1. **Source and Course:** - Most originate from the Ethiopian Highlands, providing substantial flow from rainfall and snowmelt. - Flow generally from west to east or north to south, contributing to major basins like the Nile and the Awash. 2. **Flow Regimes:** - **Perennial Rivers:** Such as the Blue Nile, flow year-round due to consistent rainfall in highlands. - **Seasonal Rivers:** Like the Shebelle, which may dry up during the dry season. 3. **Hydrological Importance:** - **Blue Nile:** Significant for national water resources, hydroelectric power (e.g., the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam). - **Awash River:** Vital for irrigation in arid regions. 4. **Sediment Transport:** - High sediment loads in rivers like the Blue Nile, contributing to fertile floodplains but also causing siltation issues. 5. **Economic and Social Roles:** - Provide water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, domestic use, and transportation. - Support fisheries and are integral to cultural practices. 6. **Environmental Concerns:** - Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities. - Impact of dam constructions on ecosystems and downstream water availability. ### 10. Major Soil Types and Their Distribution in Ethiopia Ethiopia's diverse topography and climate contribute to a variety of soil types, each suited to different agricultural practices: 1. **Nitisols:** - **Characteristics:** Deep, well-drained, rich in iron and aluminum. - **Distribution:** Predominantly found in the highland areas, especially in the central plateau. - **Use:** Suited for cereals, legumes, and horticulture. 2. **Vertisols:** - **Characteristics:** Heavy clay soils that swell when wet and crack when dry. - **Distribution:** Mainly in the western lowlands and Afar Region. - **Use:** Suitable for cotton, sorghum, and maize with proper management. 3. **Cambisols:** - **Characteristics:** Moderately developed soils with some horizon differentiation. - **Distribution:** Found in the transitional zones between highlands and lowlands. - **Use:** Suitable for mixed farming and diverse crops. 4. **Alisols:** - **Characteristics:** Highly leached, acidic soils with low fertility. - **Distribution:** Predominantly in the southern and southeastern lowlands. - **Use:** Limited agricultural use; requires fertilization and lime. 5. **Leptosols:** - **Characteristics:** Shallow, stony soils with minimal organic matter. - **Distribution:** Common in high-altitude areas and mountainous regions. - **Use:** Grazing and cultivation of hardy crops like barley and wheat. 6. **Fluvisols:** - **Characteristics:** Alluvial soils found in river valleys, rich in nutrients. - **Distribution:** Along major rivers like the Blue Nile and Awash. - **Use:** Highly fertile for intensive agriculture, including rice and vegetables. 7. **Desert Soils (Aridisols):** - **Characteristics:** Sandy or gravelly, low organic content. - **Distribution:** Afar and parts of the Somali Region. - **Use:** Limited agriculture; mainly pastoralism. ### 11. Comparison of Natural Vegetation in Ethiopian Highlands and Lowlands **Ethiopian Highlands:** - **Climate:** - Cooler temperatures with higher precipitation. - Distinct wet and dry seasons. - **Soil Type:** - Predominantly fertile soils like Nitisols and Cambisols. - Rich organic matter supporting diverse plant life. - **Natural Vegetation:** - Dominated by montane forests, including species like juniper, olive, and eucalyptus. - Grasslands and bamboo forests in certain areas. - **Human Influence:** - Extensive agriculture leading to deforestation and land degradation. - Grazing and settlement expansion reducing natural habitats. - Introduction of exotic tree species for timber and fuel. **Ethiopian Lowlands:** - **Climate:** - Warmer and often drier compared to highlands. - Higher variability in rainfall, with some areas experiencing arid conditions. - **Soil Type:** - Includes less fertile soils like Alisols and Vertisols. - Higher susceptibility to erosion and degradation. - **Natural Vegetation:** - Comprises savannas, shrublands, and dryland forests. - Sparse tree cover with species adapted to drier conditions. - Areas with wetlands and riparian vegetation along rivers. - **Human Influence:** - Extensive grazing and pastoralism impacting natural vegetation. - Agricultural expansion leading to habitat loss. - Limited forest cover due to harsher climate and soil conditions. **Comparison:** | Aspect | Highlands | Lowlands | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | **Climate** | Cooler, higher rainfall | Warmer, variable to low rainfall | | **Soil Types** | Fertile Nitisols, Cambisols | Alisols, Vertisols, Aridisols | | **Natural Vegetation** | Montane forests, diverse plant species | Savannas, shrublands, dry forests | | **Human Influence** | Intensive agriculture, deforestation | Grazing, pastoralism, limited forestry | **Contrast:** - **Biodiversity:** Highlands support more diverse and dense vegetation compared to the often sparse lowland vegetation. - **Agricultural Practices:** Highlands are suitable for a wider range of crops due to fertile soils and favorable climate, whereas lowlands are more restricted to drought-resistant and pastoral practices. - **Environmental Impact:** Both zones face challenges like deforestation and land degradation, but the highlands are more impacted by agricultural intensification, while lowlands suffer more from overgrazing and erosion. Understanding these differences is crucial for sustainable land management and agricultural planning in Ethiopia.