Improved Crop Productivity and Soil Properties under Varying Planting Densities of Pentaclethra Macrophylla Benth. and Acacia Auriculiformis A. Cunn. In Congo Basin
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Date
2023-09
Authors
Mapenzi, Neville
Katayi, Alain L.
Bauters, Marijn
Masimane, Jules
Schure, Jolien
Kweyu, Raphael
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Link
Abstract
Soil fertility depletion is a major constraint to agricultural production in the Congo Basin
and is aggravated by climate change. Therefore,
agroforestry systems (AFS) are used to improve soil
fertility and crop productivity. Indeed, Pentaclethra
macrophylla and Acacia auriculiformis are among
the most agroforestry species used in this basin. However, smallholders are limited in their choice of agroforestry species and the spacing. Hence, this study
comparatively evaluated the efects of P. macrophylla
(native) and A. auriculiformis (exotic) legume tree
species on soil macronutrients and food crops’ yield
during four cropping seasons. To do this, a multifactor trial design was implemented in Lobilo catchment, Congo Basin, with two tree species, four tree planting
densities (T1: 2500 trees× ha−1, T2: 625 trees× ha−1,
T3: 278 trees× ha−1; and T0: crop monoculture),
and three intercrops (cassava, maize, and peanut).
The results revealed that both agroforestry species
did not signifcantly difer regarding their impact on
soil macronutrients. The total nitrogen and the pH
in soil have increased with the cropping seasons.
With regard to the food crops, cassava and maize
yield were greater under P. macrophylla than under
A. auriculiformis. However, the 2500 trees× ha−1
density negatively afected food crops’ yield and
did not allow food crop production after the second
cropping season. To maximize the positive efects of
these AFS, it is essential to plant or co-plant these
two agroforestry species at 625 trees× ha−1 density Future research could investigate other native species
and include water and light interactions.
Description
Article
Keywords
Congo Basin, Agroforestry, Food crop yield, Soil nutrients, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Acacia auriculiformis, Lobilo catchment
Citation
Mapenzi, N., Katayi, A. L., Bauters, M., Masimane, J., Schure, J., Kweyu, R., & Nabahungu, N. L. (2023). Improved crop productivity and soil properties under varying planting densities of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. and Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. in Congo Basin. Agroforestry Systems, 1-13.