Pollarding Faidherbia albida tree reduces the complementarities benefit of underneath wheat productivity in Mojo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Faidherbia albida is known for its adaptability in semi-arid and sub-humid regions. A peculiar characteristic (reverse phenology) of the tree makes it the most compatible agroforestry tree for most crops such as maize, millet, groundnut and sorghum with the range of 30-200% higher yield beneath the F. albida canopy due to a great amount of organic fertilizer incorporated from litterfall. Decomposition and subsequent mineralization of litter provides additional nutrients to the soil. For instance, levels of TN, OC and K were higher under the tree canopy. The tree does not compete with crops for water, light and nutrients as it enters into physiological dormancy during the cropping season. F. albida canopy is used to reduce heat stress and evapo-transpiration towards the onset of the dry period. The impact of environmental factors controlling crop yield has been studied extensively. Conducting research on physiological processes of intercropped trees such as long-term water budget and leaf phenophase are vital to understanding the type of interactions among different components. Despite numerous advantages of this tree, farmers around the study area heavily pollard the branches. As a result, this has a negative impact on tree growth and water relations, as well as underneath wheat productivity in the area