In agroforestry systems, trees can influence the microclimate, soil physicochemical properties, and increase crop yields underneath. The nutrient content of crops depends on the environment in which they grow. A field experiment was conducted to collect soil and teff grain samples from beneath and outside the canopy of Faidherbia albida ( F. albida ) trees. Soil and grain samples were prepared following standard laboratory procedures. The diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction method was employed, and nutrient concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and flame photometry. The data collected were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and structural regression modeling. The results demonstrated that soil micronutrients were significantly higher beneath the canopy compared to outside the canopy. This was primarily attributed to the availability of higher soil physicochemical properties beneath the F. albida canopy. Furthermore, these soil properties exhibited significant positive associations with the availability of both soil and grain micronutrients. Notably, higher concentrations of iron, zinc, and manganese were found in teff grain collected from beneath the canopy compared to outside. In conclusion, F. albida trees contributed to improved levels of soil and teff grain micronutrients by enhancing the physicochemical properties of the soil underneath.
Gebremedhin et al. (Thu,) studied this question.