EFFECTS OF CORDIA AFRICANA (LAM) TREE SPECIES IN PARKLAND AGROFORESTRY ON SELECTED SOIL PHYSIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MAIZE (Zea mays) YIELD IN DEMBA GOFA WOREDA, SOUTHERN, ETHIOPIA

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.