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Comparative effects of Acacia albida and Kigelia africana trees on soil characteristics in Zambezi riverine woodlands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Kevin M. Dunham
Kevin M. Dunham
Affiliation:
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
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Abstract

Soil nutrient concentrations under Acacia albida and Kigelia africana trees growing in Zambezi riverine woodlands were compared with soils in the open, beyond tree canopies. Concentrations of N, C, P and K were higher under tree canopies. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were unchanged. Soils were slightly more acid under A. albida trees relative to open soil, but were less acid under K. africana. Soil P concentration was higher under K. africana than under A. albida. Otherwise, the two species had similar effects on soil fertility. Despite previous claims, A. albida is probably no more efficient at increasing soil fertility than other savanna trees.

Keywords

Acacia albidaKigelia africanasoil fertilityZambezi
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , May 1991 , pp. 215 - 220
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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