Effect of multipurpose trees and shrubs on degraded mined‐out soil in a semi‐deciduous forest zone of West Africa

Abstract

AbstractMultipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) establishment plays important role in accelerating natural restoration and productivity of degraded soils for ecosystem stability, biological diversity, and most importantly for agricultural uses. Multipurpose tree plantation with a mixed stands of Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia zygia, Faidherbia albida, Acacia auriculiformis, Senna siamea, Azadiractha indica, and Gliricidia sepium was established to reclaim degraded mined‐out Ferric acrisol in a semi‐deciduous forest zone of Ghana, West Africa. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the age of MPTS on some physical and chemical properties of degraded mined‐out soil of the Oweri Mines Company, Ltd., Konongo (6°37′56.8″N, 1°13′39.02″W). The study determined soil total nitrogen (tN), soil organic carbon (SOC), acidity (pH), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), and mercuric (Hg) contents and the relationship between these soil parameters. Soils were sampled at two depths: 0–30 and 30–60 cm from four different age groups of MPTS plantation: non‐reclaimed (NR), 5‐year‐old MPTS plantation, 10‐year‐old MPTS plantation, and adjacent undisturbed natural forest (NF). The pH, SOC, tN, Al, As, and Hg contents and bulk density were significantly influenced by age of MPTS plantation. The 10‐year‐old MPTS soil had 53%, and the NF soil had 57%, higher SOC than NR soil. Soil tN in the top 0–30 cm depth for the 5‐year‐old was 33%, 10‐year‐old MPTS was 59%, and the NF was 69%, higher than tN in the NR soil. Whereas soil pH had positive significant relationship with soil Hg and As, the reverse was observed with soil Al content.