Remediation of acid soils and soil property amelioration via Acacia decurrens-based agroforestry system

Land degradation and the associated soil acidity are critical challenge for crop production in Ethiopian highlands. Since liming is expensive, farmers have developed an alternative agroforestry system by integrating Acacia decurrens into their landscapes. The expansion rate of this was assessed over last three decades. effects charcoal-making kiln sites on properties were investigated five years compared to adjacent croplands. Soil samples collected from A. plantations, sites, croplands at 0–15 15–30 cm depths. In 30 years, plantation increased 8% 17.5%, respectively, land-use 1993, mainly expense grassland abandoned land. main incentive plantations farmers’ income generated charcoal making. This intervention also improved with a significantly positive effect pH, organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available Bray phosphorus (Bray-P) Results revealed that SOC content year 2 (1.3–1.7 times) under fields. Moreover, pH one unit fields, which equivalent application 4–5 t lime ha?1, while ~ 10% control. Charcoal making spots 112% non-kiln sites. Bray- P strongly (P < 0.05) correlated (r = 0.75) pH. We conclude decurrens-based practices would improve livelihoods restoring degraded lands, improving generation sequestration.