Assessment of Soil Conditions under two Agro-Forestry Systems in Rimi and Batagarawa Local Government Areas of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of two species (Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) used in agroforestry for improvement of soil condition in semi-arid areas part of Katsina state. Soil samples were collected for analysis of physical and chemical properties from each of the two different areas where these species  were planted on the farmlands. The soil analysis revealed improvement in physical and chemical properties, with lowering of the pH under the tree cover while there was an increase in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and effective cation exchange capacity content among others in the soils under both areas covered by the two plant species. Generally, the result of the analysis indicates improvement in the soil fertility as a result of planting of these exotic species in the two local government areas of the state.