Effects of Ziziphus Spina-Christi (L.) on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Yield in Habru District, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Authors

  • Hailie Shiferaw Wolle Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center
  • Bekele Lemma Hawassa University
  • Tefera Mengistu Ministry of Environment and Forest

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18034/mjmbr.v6i2.477

Keywords:

Ziziphus spina-christi, soil properties, under canopy, edge of canopy, open field

Abstract

Ziziphus spina-christi is a multipurpose tree which grows naturally on the farm lands in Habru district. Since, the effects of this tree on soil and crop have not scientifically quantified; this study has been carried out with the aim of assessing the effect of Ziziphus spina-christi on soil physicochemical properties, grain and biomass yield of sorghum.Five isolated and nearly identical Ziziphus spina-christi tree growing on farm lands with similar site condition were selected and canopy coverage of each tree was divided into four radial transects. Soil samples from three horizontal distances: 1.2m, 2.9m and 15m with two soil depths (0–15cm and 15-30cm) were taken for analysis of soil physico- chemical properties. Three quadrates 1m x1m at each transect and distances were laid for sorghum grain yield and biomass estimation. The result shows that soil pH, EC, CEC and soil texture were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by Ziziphus spina-christi tree, whereas soil bulk density, soil moisture content, total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus and exchangeable cation (Mg, Ca and K) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced mainly due to higher organic matter input through litter fall, root biomass, uptake and return of nutrients from deeper soil profiles under the tree canopies. While the grain yield of sorghum and above ground biomass were not statistically significant (p>0.05).Hence, retaining of this tree on crop land improves the soil fertility status.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Hailie Shiferaw Wolle, Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center

    Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center, P.O.Box 112, Debre Birhan, ETHIOPIA

  • Bekele Lemma, Hawassa University

    Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, P.O.Box 128, Shashemene, ETHIOPIA

  • Tefera Mengistu, Ministry of Environment and Forest

    Ministry of Environment and Forest, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

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Published

2019-12-31

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2019): July - December Issue

Section

Peer-reviewed Article

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How to Cite

Wolle, H. S. ., Lemma, B. ., & Mengistu, T. . (2019). Effects of Ziziphus Spina-Christi (L.) on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Yield in Habru District, North Wollo, Ethiopia. Malaysian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 6(2), 85-92. https://doi.org/10.18034/mjmbr.v6i2.477
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