Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca scattered trees for improving sesame (Sesamum oriental) grain yield and soil properties in lowlands of Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

A species of dryland tree called Balanites aegyptiaca provides numerous environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Those trees are cultivated by agriculturalists in their fields in lowlands of Tigray, but there was insufficient scientific data on how Balanites aegyptiaca trees affected the study area's soil characteristics and sesame yields. The purpose of this study was to look into the behavior of Balanites aegyptiaca to improve sesame yields and soil properties in Kafta-Humera District. Two variables were utilized to think about soil physicochemical properties and collect 48 pooled tests: separate from the tree trunk at four levels and soil profundity at two levels, reproducing the RCBD calculate framework on six trees. To study sesame yield, four-level log spacings were used, replicated six times.In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sesame seed yield and soil physicochemical properties. The outcomes demonstrated that the sesame seed yield was significantly (using p<0.05) from the Balanites aegyptiaca tree. Under the canopy as opposed to outside of it, and in the topsoil as opposed to the subsoil layer, the BD was significantly (p<0.05) lower. Findings for additional soil chemical parameters, including pH, OC, total N, available P, K, Ca, and CEC, showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the crown area relative to the field and surface area over the subsurface layer. Under its canopy, the multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca generally improves soil fertility; when grown on agricultural land, it can also boost soil and plant productivity in drought-prone areas when managed properly.