Abstract:
Eeglela (Balanites aegyptiaca(L.) Del is the most common indigenous tree species in Metema
district which has been used as fodder, charcoal, fuelwood and found in the form of scattered
trees in farmlands. However, the soil fertility maintenance role of the tree is not well
identified and systematically characterized. Therefore, this study was aimed to with a primary
objective of determine the soil fertility improvement role and subsequent sorghum yield
increment of Balanites aegyptiaca together with farmers’ perception study on the indicated
roles of the tree species. Eight isolated and almost similar canopy coverage of Balanites
aegyptiaca tree growing on adjacent sorghum farmland were selected. Each tree was
classified into three radial distances across four directions (east, west, north and south).
Farmers’ perception on the selected tree was conducted through interviews with a prepared
semi-structured interview. For sorghum yield determination, a plot area of 1 m by 1 m (1m
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was marked at a distance of 2 m, 4 m, and 8 m far from randomly selected trees. Soil samples
were also collected from similar distances and directions from the trunk by collecting 5 subsamples
from 0-20 cm soil depth in a plot to make one composite soil sample. For bulk
density determination, undisturbed soil samples were collected from similar distances and
directions using core samplers. Soil samples were analyzed for selected physical and
chemical properties using standard laboratory procedures. The interview results showed that
(77.1%) of the communities has awareness about the role of B. aegyptiaca on soil fertility
amelioration. The most preferable tree species by farmers for soil fertility regeneration of
their farmland are identified to be Balanites aegyptiaca (61.1%) followed by Ximenia
americana (18.6%), respectively. Among the main reasons suggested by farmers to preserve
B. aegyptiaca trees on their farmlands it’s use as fodder and shade for livestock’s (28.6%),
air aspirator (25.7%), it’s no harmful effect to the crop under it (25.7%) and its use as soil
fertility amelioration(15.7%). Sorghum (32.9%) and cotton (25.7%) crop have better grown
under Balanites aegyptiaca, specifically the role of Balanites aegyptiaca is more pronounced
for soil fertility amelioration under the tree (68.6%) than far from the tree (8.6%). similarly
The majority of interviewed local farmers believe that the productivity of sorghum growing
near to B.aegyptiaca tree (52.9%) is higher than far (22.9%). Moisture content, pH, Av.P and CEC values were significantly different and better in the inside
canopy of Balanites aegyptiaca tree than the outside one. Conversely, The soil texture, BD, EC,
OM, Ex.K, TN, grain yield and biomass yield values were not significantly influenced by
Balanites aegyptiaca trees. However, when the analyzed soil parameters are rated in terms of
established ratings, most soil properties pH, TN and av.P are found at lower range to satisfy
growth of sorghum and similar crop species. Hence, creating equal awareness to all farming
communities to retain these trees, application of appropriate to the area fertilizer types and Rate
and further detailed studies are suggested to be implemented in the study area.
