Abstract:
The selection and use of appropriate agroforestry tree species that maintain soil nutrients
thereby improving productivity remains to challenge in low-input agricultural systems.
Therefore, this research focuses on two agroforestry tree species, C.macrostachyus and
C.africana. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of litterfall and rate of
decomposition in the Aba Gerima watershed. The decomposition rate was analyzed using the
litter-bag technique, while soil and litter samples were used to analyze the soil's
physicochemical properties. The litterfall was collected every 15 days using litter bags from
February to May 2023. Besides, the rate of decomposition was determined using RCBD
design; considering species types as the main factor and incubation period (30, 60, 90, and
120 days) in the dry and wet seasons of the sub-plot factors. Soil samples were collected from
four directions (north, south, east, and west) beneath and outside the canopy of each tree
species. Composite soil samples were then prepared from these collections, and selected soil
physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Results showed that the total amount of litterfall
in four months was greater for C.africana than for C.macrostachyus at 5.89 t/ha and 5.19
t/ha, respectively. Regarding the rate of decomposition, C.macrostachyus decomposed
significantly faster than C.africana for the incubation period (30-120 days) with a rate
constant (k) of 0.012 to 0.04 g/days and 0.13 to 0.04 g/days for C.macrostachyus and 0.01 to
0.02 g/days and 0.09 to 0.04 g/days for C.africana for the dry and wet seasons, respectively.
The mass loss is 94% and 47%; C.macrostachyus recorded a greater mass loss than
C.africana during the 120 days of the dry season. However, the wet season from 120 days had
no significant difference in mass loss between the two tree species. The effect of tree species
in the soil nutrient input as observed from C.macrostachyus was significantly higher than that
of C.africana. Hence, Utilize litterfall and organic matter from the two indigenous tree
species as mulch or compost to enhance soil fertility. Therefore, Raise awareness and
encourage the community to conserve these agroforestry trees in cropland to improve soil
fertility and crop productivity.