Soil Properties of a Tef-Acacia decurrens-Charcoal Production Rotation System in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

A tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, a unique indigenous climate-smart agricultural technology of northwest Ethiopia, is increasingly seen as a promising strategy for improving soil properties. This study investigated the effect of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system on soil properties. In total, 112 soil samples (7 treatments × 4 depths × 4 replicates) were collected and analyzed inside and outside randomly selected charcoal production spots in the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system and from an adjacent tef monocropping system. The soil properties examined generally exhibited significant variation between the tef monocropping system and the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system, and between soil depths, as well as with respect to charcoal production spots in the system. The system resulted in a significant increase in SOC, TN, available phosphorus, available sodium, available nitrate and ammonium in general, and in total contents of K, P and Mn in the 0–20 cm depth. Charcoal production in the system significantly increased the total content of P, Al, and Fe, as well as the available nitrate and sulfate in the charcoal production spot. The variation in soil proprieties between the land use types and with respect to charcoal production spots in the TACP system were possibly due to the effect of the Acacia decurrens trees, and fire and fine charcoal residues from charcoal production, indicating the capacity of the tef-Acacia decurrens-charcoal production rotation system to improve soil properties.