Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to look into the effect of a Cordia africana tree species in parkland
Agroforestry on selected soil physicochemical properties and maize grain yields under canopy
and open areas in Demba Gofa District, southern, and Ethiopia. For the soil physicochemical
properties experiment, two factors were used: distance from tree trunk with four levels (under
near of tree trunk, mid crown, edge of crown radius, and open field), soil depth with two levels
(0-20cm and 20-40cm depth), and tree species with two levels (RCBD replicated three times).
Only two elements were employed and gathered for maize grain yield: distance from tree trunk
with four levels (under near to tree trunk, mid crown, edge of crown radius, and open field) and
tree species Cordia africana with two levels in RCBD replicate three times.
The result showed that soil texture was not significantly associated to tree species (P>0.05).
Tree species had a significant (p<0.05) influence on soil bulk density. Soil moisture was
considerably higher under tree canopy than open field, particularly in surface soils versus
subsurface soils. Under C. africana, soil chemical parameters include electric conductivity,
organic carbon, organic matter, soil carbon stock; total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and cat
ion exchange capacity were significant in the surface than in the subsurface. Cordia tree had no
significant (p>0.05) effect on soil pH. However, the open field had somewhat higher maize
height and yield than the canopy zone. These tree species have the ability to improve soil fertility
and moisture beneath their canopy. Therefore, it is possible to recommend that including these
trees on farmland may need proper tree crown management in order to enhance relative light
beneath the canopy and maize grain output.
