*3.1. Soil Properties Across Experimental Plots*

Several soil physio-chemical properties were analyzed at various soil depths (i.e., 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm, and 60–90 cm) to check variability across experimental plots (Table 2). Gallardo [59] explained that variability of soil properties can be best described using the coefficient of variation (CV); high variability when the CV is greater than 91% and low variability if otherwise. Based on CV analysis, the variability of soil properties was low across experimental plots at both sites (i.e., Alefa and Affesa), satisfying precondition for paired management comparisons. The soil class in Alefa site is clay loam (0 to 30 cm) and clay (30 to 90 cm), whereas it is clay (0 to 60 cm) and silt clay (60 to 90 cm) in Affesa site. Soil salinity was generally low in the highlands of Ethiopia where the experimental sites are located [60].


**Table 2.** Mean value of soil physio-chemical properties across experimental plots for Alefa and Affesa.

Note: CV, Max., Min., OC, OM, TN, Av. P, Av. K, FC, PWP are coefficient of variation, maximum, minimum, organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, field capacity, and permanent wilting point, respectively. Maximum and minimum values of soil properties were provided for the topsoil (0–30 cm).
