Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

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Trees, Forests and People

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Effect of dominant shade tree species on selected soil physicochemical

properties and coffee production in Sayyo district, western Ethiopia
Amanuel Tilahun Etafa
Forestry, Wollega University, Ethiopia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: The current study aimed to assess the preference of farmers and their perception of shade tree species on coffee
Open area production and to evaluate selected soil physicochemical properties under the canopies of Acacia abyssinica and
Tree canopy Albizia gummifera shade tree species and the influence of these trees on coffee production in comparison with
Acacia abyssinica
unshaded fields. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for this study. Four circular plots
Shaded zone
Albizia gummifera
having 3, 5, and 7 m radius and 17 m were laid out to sample soil and coffee parameters. The top six ranked tree
species preferred by farmers were, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Cordia Africana,
Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica. The soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous,
exchangeable potassium, and soil pH were higher underneath shade trees than in open areas. Soils tested under
shade trees and in open areas were texturally similar, (sandy clay loam). This pattern of textural similarity
indicated that they have been derived from the same parent material. There was greater coffee yield, coffee
weight, and coffee shrub density under the tree canopy than in open fields. Generally, Coffee production pa­
rameters and coffee yield under the canopies of both shade tree species and selected soil physicochemical
properties showed relatively higher than those of unshaded zones. Therefore, integrating Acacia abyssinica and
Albizia gummifera shade trees in coffee production systems is very important in maintaining soil fertility and
thereby increasing the yield of organic coffee.

Introduction is affected by high light intensity, high temperature, and low soil
moisture (Ashenfi et al., 2014).
Arabica coffee is a perennial woody shrub native to the afro moun­ Shade trees are well known to improve the physical and chemical
tain forests of Ethiopia and is mainly grown on lands elevated between properties of underneath soil through their increased nutrient cycling
1000 and 2000 m above sea level (Muleta et al., 2011). It is one of the (since their roots go deep down in the soil and reach nutrients that may
five most valuable agricultural exports from developing nations (Rick­ not be accessible to the coffee plants and through the addition of organic
etts et al., 2004). Coffee is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy, matter by the leaves and litterfall from their canopies down to the soil
providing more than 30% of the country’s export earnings (Abate et al., and through the root dieback (Pincho et al., 2012).
2021). Furthermore, they play a vital role in improving the growth, pro­
Coffee production plays an important role in the Ethiopian economy ductivity, and quality of coffee (Bote and Struik, 2011), and regulating
in terms of providing income for many households and generating biomass production (Evizal et al., 2009) including firewood and timber
foreign exchange for the country (Gebressilassie and Ludi, 2008). It is as a source of alternative income and fodder for livestock production
estimated that 25% of the population depends directly and indirectly on (Geta et al., 2014).
coffee for its lively hood (Abate et al., 2021). In coffee management systems, farmers select certain species of trees
Coffee cultivation systems range from traditionally grown under the as coffee shade trees and remove others that they believe have adverse
canopy of shade trees to industrial plantations with little or no shade. impacts on the growth and productivity of coffee shrubs. The coffee
Shade is more essential to Coffea arabica L. because the growth of coffee yield was highly correlated with the number and size of the branches of

Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance; AV. P, available phosphorous; DBH, diameter at breast height; E.K, exchangeable potassium; OC, organic carbon; OM,
organic matter; SAS, statistical analysis system; SCL, sandy clay loam; SD, standard deviation; SMC, soil moisture content; SOM, soil organic matter; TN, total
nitrogen.
E-mail address: amaanee97@[Link].

[Link]
Received 28 December 2021; Received in revised form 18 March 2022; Accepted 24 March 2022
Available online 26 March 2022
2666-7193/© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ([Link]
A.T. Etafa Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

coffee shade trees ((Bote and Struik, 2011). This in turn is related to the physicochemical properties in comparison with open fields, and to
amount of solar radiation reaching the lower strata and the presence or analyze the influence of this dominant shade tree species on coffee
absence of small trees and shrubs competing with coffee (Bote and production the case of Sayyo district, western Ethiopia.
Struik, 2011).
Coffee production and management systems in the western and Materials and methods
southwestern Ethiopia are traditional methods, in which coffee grows
under a canopy cover of indigenous trees (Moguel and Toledo, 1999; Site description
Aboma, 2016). In this system, soils were amended by applying compost,
farmyard manure, and green manure, while no chemical fertilizers, The study was conducted in Sayyo district which is in the western
herbicides, or fungicides were used. However, as the demand for coffee part of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia (Fig. 1). This district received its
production expanded, many coffee growers ceased their traditional name from the old name of its administrative center, Dembi Dolo. It is
coffee growing system and started to grow coffee without shade trees found 635 km west of Addis Ababa, Capital City of Ethiopia (Sayyo
(Bote and Struik, 2011). District Description, 2022).
This new coffee production system was accompanied by the inten­ The study area is classified into three agro-ecological zones, which
sive use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are kola (low land), Woyina Dega (midland), and Dega (high land). Most
resulting in blended and inferior coffee quality. Coffee plants exposed to parts of the area are dominated by the midland (Woyina Dega). A survey
sunlight also showed a higher incidence of premature death (Steiman, of the land in the district shows that 55.2% is cultivated or arable, 4.45%
2003). pasture, 26.51% forest, and 13.83% infrastructure or other uses (Sayyo
Among the tree species found in different coffee farms in Ethiopia, District Description, 2022).
only a few shade tree species are preferred both in smallholder coffee
farms and large-scale plantations. Different species of trees have their Farming systems and climate
relative importance in terms of improving the soil’s physical and The area is characterized by a crop-livestock mixed farming system
chemical properties and in increasing the yield of coffee plants grown in which crops are cultivated and livestock are reared simultaneously.
under their canopies. This area is well known for the cultivation of crops like maize sorghum,
However, there is not enough scientific study conducted in west wheat, finger millet, and coffee. Coffee is an important cash crop of the
Ethiopia that specifically indicates the suitability of shade tree species area and more than 50% of the area’s income is contributed by coffee
for coffee production and the farmer’s preference of shade trees and (Sayyo District Description, 2022). Over 50km2 are planted with this
their perception of these trees, and furtherly, the effect of dominant crop.
shade trees on coffee shrub density, coffee yield, and soil physico­ Coffee plantation is the major one sustaining the life of most resi­
chemical properties. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the coffee dents. Multipurpose trees associated with coffee production under their
producer’s preference of shade trees for coffee production, to investigate canopies such as croton machrosthyus, Cordia Africana, Acacia abyssinica,
the effect of dominant shade tree species on selected soil Millettia ferrugenia, Albizia gummifera, vernonia amygdala, Ficus species

Fig. 1. . Location map of the study area.

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A.T. Etafa Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

and others are abundantly found naturally grown in coffee plantation Data collection techniques
system and left there deliberately to provide shade (Sayyo District
Description, 2022). Soil sampling and data collection
The district receives on average 600–1500 mm annual rainfall. The Based on the coffee shade trees preferred by the farmers, the two first
mean minimum and maximum temperature of the area are is10 ◦ C and and second-ranked tree species were selected to take samples of soil and
28 ◦ C, respectively. The area is characterized by a unimodal pattern of coffee. Three circular plots (Fig. 2) were laid out under the tree’s trunk
rainfall (Sayyo District Description, 2022). at (3, 5, and 7 m) distance from each selected tree’s trunk and three plots
at 17 m radius and above from the stem of the trees (out of canopies)
The study design were laid out following Bargali et al. (2009).
Each distance was separately taken as a plot that had a circumstance
Key informants’ sampling on its contour line from four directions (north, south, west, and east).
The data collection tools employed for the study were, key informant Soil samples of (0.1 kg) from each sample layer at four different places
interview, to collect mainly qualitative information about coffee shade on each plot were taken from 0 to 15 cm soil depth. Then, each soil
trees and their influence on soil fertility and coffee productivity and sample was tagged and merged to be one composite sample, and the
secondly, the household survey, which was used to collect quantitative name of the tree, the distances, and the farm identification note were
data about farmers’ local knowledge on preference criteria of suitable recorded for further uses. Accordingly, A total of 36 samples from which
shade tree species for coffee production. 18 composites (2 trees X 3 distance X 3 replications) were collected from
A purposive sampling technique was used to select the key in­ shaded zones and 18 representative composite samples (2 × 3plots x 3
formants. Hence, the key informants involved in this study were selected replications) were collected from an open area for comparison.
among the coffee farmers in the district, agricultural and rural devel­
opment agents. Accordingly, 12 key informants which 10 of them were Coffee crop data collection. Four coffee plants at all directions of shade
coffee growing farmers, and the rest two were agricultural development tree trunks within the circular plots having three different radiuses
agents and a total of 36 respondents were selected randomly from the (28.26 m2, 78.5 m2 and 153.86 m2) were randomly selected. Then coffee
coffee growers of the village. Hence, the study was used the two-stage berries were collected from the top, middle, and bottom branches of
sampling techniques, at the first purposive method, and secondly, the coffee plants and mixed to become a composite sample following
random sampling was used. Soto-Pinto et al. (2000), Bote and Struik (2011).
Coffee determined by the bright red color (fully ripened) was har­
Site and tree species selection vested from selected coffee shrubs and dried until a constant weight was
Reconnaissance surveys were made across the district and one reached (moisture content 12%). Dried coffee bean without exocarp was
village (kebele), (namely, Dulli) was purposively identified because of measured using digital measuring balance. Extracted and dried coffee
the area’s proximity to the main road and coffee production potential. was measured on a 1000 seed weight base (g per 1000 beans) for coffee
From this village (kebele) three different coffee farms composed of weight under each treatment. Similarly, Coffee bean yield (Mg/ ha) was
preferred tree species and having similar altitude, agro-ecology, and calculated following Siles et al. (2010) and Bote and Struik (2011). Then
management practices were purposively selected. The top four ranked the yield was calculated as:
tree species preferred by farmers as most suitable trees for coffee pro­
duction were identified and the individual tree species having DBH ≥ 10 Coffee yield= Number of fruits per tree * Weight of the fruit
cm and height of ≥ 10 m and vigorous were selected randomly. Where, Number of fruits per tree = Fruiting nodes * Number of fruits per
node.

peercentage

30

25
280

20 281
15
282
10

5
283

0 284

285

286

287
Fig. 2. Preference of farmers on shade trees.

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A.T. Etafa Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

Soil sample preparation and laboratory analysis Table 1

Farmer’s perspective on coffee shade tree species.
Soil sample preparation No Items Total
Soil samples were air-dried and sieved by using a 2 mm sieve and Frequency (f) Percentage %
prepared for the determination of selected soil physical and chemical 1 Ages of the shade trees (in years)
properties following standard procedures. Six soil properties were Less than 10 5 13.88
selected purposively based on their importance for the growth and Between 10 and 20 8 22.22
production of coffee. Accordingly, the selected soil properties analyzed Between 20 and 30 9 25
Greater than 30 14 38.88
were soil pH, soil organic matter, texture, total nitrogen, moisture 2 Canopy nature of the trees
content, exchangeable potassium, and available phosphorous. Open 12 30.5
Intermediate 15 41.6
Soil texture and moisture content and organic carbon Closed 9 25
3 Which shade tree species is best compatible with coffee production?
Soil texture was determined by the standard hydrometer method as
A. abyssinica 8 22.22
described by Gee and Bauder (1986). The moisture content of the soil Croton macrostachyus 4 11.11
was determined by the Gravimetric method/ Oven dry method (Allen Erythrina abyssinica 2 5.55
et al., 1976). The organic carbon of the soils was determined by Walkley Ficus Sur 1 2.7
and Black (1934) method. Then soil organic matter was estimated A. gummifera 9 25
Cordia Africana 5` 13.88
indirectly from the organic carbon determination (OM% = 1.72 X% OC).
Millettia ferruginea 7 19.44
3 Where did you get these shade tree species?
Analysis of selected soil chemical properties Agricultural office 12 33.33
The total nitrogen was determined by using the Kjeldahl method. The Own sources 4 11.11
Neighboring farmer 4 11.11
flame photometer (Jackson, 1958) method was used to test the soil
Nearby local market 2 5.5
exchangeable potassium. pH and available phosphorus were analyzed Naturally grown (not planted) 14 38.88
using pH meter Van Reeuwijk (1992) and by Olsen and Sommers (1982) 4 What is/are your specific reason/s behind selections ofshade tree species?
method, respectively. Fast growth rate 6 16.6
better coffee yield under them 8 22.2
Less competitiveness 4 11.11
Statistical analysis
Good light interception 9 25
Ease to manage 1 2.7
Data related to the preference of farmers towards shade trees for Deciduousness 3 8.3
coffee and their perception of coffee production under the canopies of possession of thin and small leaves 5 13.8
trees were analyzed using a simple statistical analysis system and pre­
sented by using tables and charts. Coffee weight (gm/1000 beans),
Effect of shade tree species on selected soil physical properties
coffee shrub density, coffee bean yield, and soil property parameters
were compared between shaded and open areas as well as among the
Soil moisture content
shade tree species.
The soil moisture content (SMS) under Albizia gummifera and Acacia
The influence of coffee shade tree species on the selected soil phys­
abyissinica was decreased as the distance from the tree trunk to the open
icochemical properties under their canopies, coffee shrub density,
area increased. But there was no significant difference among the shade
weight, and coffee yield compared to those in the open areas were
tree species and in between the shaded zones and open areas. However,
computed and analyzed using a statistical analysis system (SAS version
the greatest percentage of moisture content was relatively observed
9.1). ANOVA was used to test the differences. Means were separated
under the canopy of the Albizia gummifera tree (Table 2).
using Tukey’s (HSD) comparison test at (P < 0.05).
Particle size distribution of soil
Results and discussion
The greatest percentage of sand was detected underneath of Albizia
gummifera tree (54.9%) and the variation between the three radial dis­
Results
tances from both trees, as well as between the shaded and unshaded
areas for sand fraction was significant (Table 2). In contrast, there was
Farmer’s preference of coffee shade trees and their awareness on growing of
no significant difference in the percentage of silt and clay among the
coffee under shade of trees
radial distances, in-between shade trees, and open area even though, it
The respondents in the study had long experience in growing coffee
was the greatest underneath of shade trees. The textural class of the
bushes under shade tree species. Their overall impression of shade was
overall tested soil was sandy clay loam.
quite positive, and they considered shade as a prerequisite for coffee
production systems. 86.12% of the respondents mentioned that the
shade trees were older than 10 years (Table 1). Effect of Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica tree species on soil
Trees estimated to be aged more than 30 years were found to be chemical properties
dominant in the area and the canopy nature of these trees was open
(30.5%), intermediate (41.6%), and closed (25%). Regarding their seed Soil pH
source, 38.88% of respondents mentioned that the trees are naturally The value of pH was not significantly affected (p> 0.05) by the radial
grown, 33.33 % of respondents obtained from the agricultural office, distances from the trunk of trees. The mean value of pH under Acacia
11.11% from their source, 5.5% from the nearby local market, and 11% abyssinica and Albizia gummifera was (5.03, 5.14, and 5.39) and (5.43,
from neighboring farmers (Table 1). 5.59, and 5.68), respectively. But as shown in Table 3, the pH value was
The top six ranked tree species preferred by farmers were, Acacia lower (4.98) in the open zone. However, the mean value of pH under
abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Cordia Africana, shade trees and open fields was significantly different (p < 0.05).
Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica (Fig. 2).
Total nitrogen
Total nitrogen concentration under the canopies of both trees was
significantly higher (P < 0.05) than away from the shade tree canopy.

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A.T. Etafa Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

Table 2
Influence of Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera tree species on soil moisture content and soil texture.
Tree Species Distance (m) Soil moisture content (%) Soil particle size distribution
Sand Silt Clay Textural class

Acacia abyssinica 3 3.33(± 0.35) d 50.5 26.7 22.8 SCL

(1.31) abcd (3.22) a (3.75) a
d
5 3.2 (± 0.17) 51.0 26.6 22.3 SCL
(1.45) abc (3.12) a (3.49) a

7 3.36 (± 0.12) d 51.0 27.2 24.2 SCL

(0.30) abc (3.63) a (4.32) a

Albizia gummifera 3 3.08 (± 0.46) d 51.8 23.9 24.2 SCL

(2.51) abc (5.38) a (5.55) a
d
5 2.78 (± 0.25) 54.9 23 26.8 SCL
(1.76) a (9.47) a (0.63) a

7 2.96 (± 0.3) d 52.2 21.7 26.1 SCL

(1.51) abc (6.38) a (5.06) a

Control 2.96 (± 0.88) d 50.1 24 25.6 SCL

(2.73) abcd (4.04) a (3.65) a

Means (±SD) followed by the same letter vertically downward in column are not significantly different by Tukey’s HSD (P > 0.05).

Table 3
Effect of Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera tree species on selected soil chemical properties.
Tree Species Distance SOM % pH1:2.5 (W/V) in water TN % AV. P (ppm) E.K(mg/ Kg)

Acacia abyssinica 1 5.61 5.03 0.51 4.43 3.23

(± 1.99) a (± 0.73) abc (± 0.16) ab (± 0.14) cde (± 0.96) a

2 5.44 5.14 0.56 4.75 4.10

(± 2.56) a (0.23) abc (± 0.11) ab (± 0.19) cd (± 0.56) a

3 4.71 5.39 0.75 5.35 4.48

(± 0.16) a (± 0.31) abc (± 0.19) a (0.37) bc (± 0.32) a

Albizia gummifera 1 7.80 5.43 0.46 2.08 2.49

(± 0.54) a (± 0.30) abc (± 0.08) b (± 0.36) e (± 1.11) a

2 8.32 5.59 0.55 3.06 2.16

(± 0.14) a (± 0.42) abc (± 0.04) ab (± 0.77) cde (± 0.68) a

3 7.68 5.68 0.62 2.56 3.47

(± 0.08) a (± 0.53) abc (± 0.09) ab (± 0.31) de (± 0.60) a

Control 5.21 4.98 0.39 4.22 3.09

(± 1.63) a (± 0.31) bc (± 0.11) b (± 1.44) cde (± 0.37) a

p-value 0.0023 0.0005 0.0011 0.000 0.0088

Means (±SD) followed by the same letter vertically downward in column are not significantly different by Tukey’s HSD (P > 0.05).
*SOM, TN, E.K, P are abbreviated for Soil organic matter, Total nitrogen, Exchangeable potassium, and phosphorous, respectively.

The concentration of nitrogen was increased as the distance from the Table 3. The value of SOM was shown a decreasing trend as the radial
stem of Acacia abyssinica to the open area increased. The greatest per­ distance from tree trunk to open areas increased.
centage of nitrogen was detected underneath of Albizia gummifera tree
while the lowest was seen in open areas (Table 3). Effect of Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica trees on coffee production
The statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant differ­
Exchangeable potassium ence in coffee shrub density and coffee bean weight in between shaded
The radial distances from the shade tree’s trunk and tree species were and unshaded zones. But there was no significant variation in the value
not affected the mean values of exchangeable potassium significantly. of coffee yield between shaded and unshaded zones. As the distance
Exchangeable potassium was higher underneath of Acacia abyssinica from the tree trunks to open areas increased, significant variation was
(3.23, 4.10, and 4.48) than under the canopy of the Albizia gummifera not observed (Table 4) on coffee weight under both shade trees.
tree (2.49, 2.16, and 3.09). However, the exchangeable potassium was The coffee bean yield under Albizia gummifera across the three
greater under the canopies of shade trees than in open areas. different radial distances was (2.92, 2.62, and 2.76) showed relatively
greatest than under Acacia abyssinica (2.01,2.76 and 2.61 Mg/ha) and
Available phosphorous open area (2.35 Mg/ha).
The statistical analysis was revealed that there was a relatively
higher mean value of Available phosphorous under the canopy of Acacia Discussion
abyssinica than Albizia gummifera tree and open area. Moreover, the
variation in mean difference among shade trees and open zones was Perception of farmers and their preference of shade tree species on coffee
significant at (p < 0.05). production

Soil organic matter Growing coffee under shade trees is one of the fundamental princi­
The percentage of soil organic matter was not affected by both fac­ ples in traditional organic coffee growing systems (Beer et al., 1998). It
tors (tree species and radial distances from tree trunks) significantly. The was practiced for centuries in Ethiopia (Gole et al. 2002).
difference between shaded zones and unshaded zones was also insig­ Most of the farmers preferred moderate shade conditions. According
nificant. But a higher percentage of soil organic matter was detected to Beer et al. (1998) moderate shading condition is also considered
under the canopy of Albizia gummifera (7.80, 8.32, and 7.68) tree than favorable for good coffee growth since photosynthetic rates of coffee are
under Acacia abyssinica (5.61, 5.44 and4.71) and open zone (5.21) generally at a maximum at intermediate shade levels in the tropics. In

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A.T. Etafa Trees, Forests and People 8 (2022) 100245

Table 4 shaded zones and open areas was insignificant, but it was greater under
Effect of selected shade trees species on coffee production. the shade of trees than in open areas. In favor of this finding (Likassa,
Variable Distance Shade tree species and open area 2014; Siles et al., 2010) was discussed that no significant difference in
(m) Acacia Albizia Unshaded P- soil moisture content between shade and unshaded area.
abyssinica gummifera zone value

Coffee 3 182.14 185.97 Soil texture

weight (g/ 5 (± 16.33) (± 11.05) a 161.70 0.0162 The texture is one of the most important physical properties of soil
b
1000 7 190.03 182.00 (± 5.69) that affects its fertility and productivity. An increased amount of sand
beans) (± 15.20) a (± 6.92) a
184.50 183.00
along different radial distances shown under the canopies of Acacia
(± 12.61) a (± 12.79) a abyssinica and Albizia gummifera trees might be due to a higher accu­
Coffee bean 3 2.01 2.92 mulation of soil organic carbon under trees than open fields. This is in
yield 5 (± 0.24) a (± 0.82) a 2.35 0.4185 line with the result reported in another similar study on F. albida, M.
7 2.76 2.62 (±0.26) a
ferruginia, and Cordia Africana in Ethiopia (Kamara and Haque, 1992).
(± 0.77) a (± 0.04) a
2.61 2.76 The percentage of silt and clay was not significant among radial
(± 0.71) a (± 0.20) a distances from both tree trunks and in between open areas and shaded
Coffee shrub 3 9659.00 7097.05 zones. Contrarily to this finding, (Alemayehu et al., 2017) detected a
density 5 (± 40.63) a (± 1555.8) 7308.00 0.0010 significant difference in the percentage of silt among the shaded fields by
bc
(/ha)
a the canopy of Croton machroschyus tree and unshaded zone.
7 9049.00 7606.00 (± 641.24
(± 472.05) (± 700.04) The soils tested under the shade trees and in open areas were
ab abc
texturally similar, (sandy clay loam). This pattern of textural similarity
8069.67 7496.33 detected that they have been derived from the same parent material.
(± 1034.4) (± 901.24)
ABC abc Because of this, soil texture depends on the parent materials from which
it is made up. In favor of this, the study of (Komicha et al., 2018)
Means (±SD) followed by the same letter vertically and horizontally are not confirmed that the soil textural class similarity of shaded and unshaded
significantly different by Tukey’s HSD (P > 0.05). fields resulted from the soil parent material than the action of trees.

favor of this, Albertin and Nair (2004), stated that moderate light is Effect of Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica tree species on soil
necessary for fruit filling and discouraging some coffee diseases, but full chemical properties
light penetration poses coffee wilting.
Utmost of the coffee farms in the study area were traditional poly­ Soil pH
culture plantation systems in which the farmers make use of the original Relatively the higher pH value observed under Acacia abyssinica and
canopy introducing useful plant species alongside the coffee shrubs. Albizia gummifera tree species might be due to the accumulation of
Many of the respondents were expressed their rich experience in organic matter underneath of tree canopy by leave and litterfall and root
replacing cut or dead shade trees with the original type species. dieback thereby increasing the pH value, in turn reducing the acidity of
According to, the criteria for the selection of suitable coffee shade the soil. In oppose to this finding, (Kahi et al. 2009) reported a signifi­
trees, Beer (1987) trees are attributed with fast growth, longevity, pro­ cant difference (P < 0.05) in pH between the soils within and outside the
duction of high leave and litterfall, deciduousness, possession of thin canopies of Acacia tortilis and Faidherbia albida, with a higher pH in the
and small leaves. Hence, the farmer’s selection criteria were compatible open cultivated land than under the canopy areas. Similarly, (Bossel­
with the beer’s criteria set. mann et al., 2009) detected that there was a greater value of pH in the
In this study, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macro­ open area than under the shaded zone.
stachyus, Cordia Africana, Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica In favor of the current study, the studies of RIGAL Clément René
tree species were selected by farmers as the top five trees suitable for Matthieu, 2018; Siles et al., 2010; Alemayehu et al., 2017 and Souza
coffee production among the various dominant shade trees found in the et al., 2012 revealed that the pH value was higher under the canopies of
coffee farms. trees than in an open area. The main reason for higher soil pH value
Similarly, the study conducted in Babo Gambel district, Western under the canopies of both coffee shade trees than outside the tree
Wollega, Ethiopia also detected that the leading tree species as preferred canopy might be attributable due to above-ground litterfall deposition
by farmers for coffee production were, Vernonia amygdalina, Croton and decomposition of their below-ground fine roots which have positive
macrostachyus, Albizia gummifera, Ficus vasta, Acacia abyssinica, Millettia impacts on subsequent mineralization releases cations to the soil system
ferruginea, and Mangifera indica (Ewunetu and Zebene, 2018). In the (Souza et al., 2012).
same way, the coffee farmers from the Anfillo district (neighbor to the
study area) were preferred Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica as the Total nitrogen
most suitable shade tree species for coffee production (Aboma, 2016). The statistically different amount of total nitrogen under shade trees
and unshaded zone and the greater value of nitrogen found under can­
Effect of trees on selected soil physical property opies than open fields might be because organic matter rich soils can
create a conducive environment for many beneficial microorganisms
Soil moisture content like nitrogen fixers and nitrogen-fixing bacteria help in the fixation of
The decreasing trend in the percentage of SOM observed under shade atmospheric nitrogen into the soil thereby enriching the soil with ni­
tree canopies as the radial distance from tree’s trunk to open areas trogen. Similarly, the study from southern Ethiopia (Belay et al., 2014)
increased might be credited to the reduction in soil temperature, also confirms that total soil nitrogen was higher beneath the canopy of
observed under shade, which was mainly caused by the ability of shaded trees than in the open area. Additionally, similar studies (Likassa, 2014;
soil to stabilize the local thermal balances thereby reducing loss of Komicha et al., 2018; Souza et al., 2012) have also spotted a higher
moisture from the soil (Kufa et al., 2007; Siles et al., 2010). amount of total nitrogen underneath shade trees than in an open area.
Additionally, the greater moisture content under the canopy might
result from higher organic accumulation under the tree as compared to Soil organic matter
the open plot which in turn increases the water holding capacity of the The percentage of soil organic matter under the canopy of Acacia
soil (Komicha et al., 2018). In this study, the mean difference between abyssinica and Albizia gummifera were higher than in open areas. In line

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with the finding, Belay et al. (2014) reported higher soil organic matter considerably reduced since they utilize nutrients from different layers in
content under the canopies of the scattered Faidherbia albida and the soil profile (Schaller et al., 2003). These nutrients are assimilated
C. macrostachyus tree species. Similarly, Dossa et al. (2008) found that into the biomass of the trees and are returned to the soil surface over
total C content under shaded coffee was higher than that of coffee grown time through litter fall, decomposition, and mineralization processes
in full sun. thus making them available to the crops (Nair, et al., 1999).
The value of SOM was shown a decreasing trend as the radial dis­
tance from tree trunk to open areas increased. This variation in organic Conclusion and recommendation
carbon (organic matter) with distance away from the tree canopy was
quite logical as the higher contents of organic carbon under the tree Shade trees favor soil fertility and improve physical and chemical
canopies were because of the leaf and litterfall and decomposition of properties through enhanced nutrient cycling since their roots go deep
dead roots from the trees. down in the soil and reach nutrients that may not be accessible to the
This is further supported by the study of Evizal et al. (2009) which coffee plants and through the addition of litter to the soil. The soil pa­
detected that shaded coffee agro-ecosystems had higher soil organic C rameters tested, and coffee variables evaluated in this study also realized
and total litter biomass (litterfall, coffee, shade tree pruning, and weed the fact that shade trees play a significant role in improving the soil
biomass). The higher soil C content may be attributed to the higher condition of that site and gradually increases the yield of associated
vegetative growth, hence higher litterfall and a slower rate of decom­ coffee grown under their shades in comparison with the open areas
position under the shade that leads to a higher accumulation of organic found outside of the canopy coverage.
matter in the soil. By the above statement, higher total nitrogen found beneath the
canopies of both tree species than unshaded zones might be due to trees’
Available phosphorous contribution of biomass (leaf, litter, small twigs, etc.), which is among
There was a relatively higher mean value of available phosphorous the essential elements of maintaining the organic matter content in the
under the canopy of Acacia abyssinica than Albizia gummifera tree and soil.
open area. This might be due to the abundant availability of microbial Organic matter-rich soils can also create a conducive environment
life under shade trees and their action in rapid decomposition of organic for many beneficial microorganisms like nitrogen fixers, hence, the more
matter added to the soil from leaf and litterfalls in which phosphorus abundantly existence of this nutrient the more increased yield of asso­
solubilization from fixation is supported and hence, there is a release of ciated coffee. Because nitrogen is a key element and very essential as its
available phosphorous. deficiency stags the growth of coffee and its availability makes the coffee
In line with this study, (Aim, 2016) reported that shading coffee plant vigorous and gradually increases the overall productivity of that
plants with Cordia Africana was increased soil pH and soil nutrient farm.
contents of total C, N, P, K, Mg, and Mn. However, with an available P of Similarly, essential nutrients like available phosphorous and
less than 10 ppm (Sanchez et al., 1982), the soils in coffee farms of the exchangeable potassium analyzed shown relatively higher compared to
area were deficient in available p. the open areas. These elements had also a direct positive effect on the
growth and performance of coffee plants as the related coffee production
Exchangeable potassium parameters revealed comparatively higher under canopies of Albizia
The mean value of exchangeable potassium was greater under the gummifera and Acacia abyssinica trees.
canopies of shade trees than in the open areas. This might be due to, an Most of the farmers in the study area were preferred moderate shade
increased addition of soil organic matter through litterfall and probably conditions. This type of shading is suitable for plant growth since it al­
the root decay. In line with this study, (Aim, 2016) was reported that lows the upcoming sunlight to be rich to coffee plants for photosyn­
shading coffee plants with Cordia Africana have increased soil pH and thesis. Accordingly, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton
soil nutrient contents of total C, N, P, K, Mg, and Mn. macrostachyus, Cordia Africana, Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abys­
sinica tree species were selected by farmers as the top five trees preferred
Impact of Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica shade trees on coffee among the various dominant shade trees found in the coffee farms. The
bean yield, coffee bean weight, and coffee shrub density criteria for their selection were, trees attributed with fast growth,
The higher density of coffee shrubs seen beneath the shades of the longevity, production of high leave and litterfall, deciduousness,
two dominant shade tree species (Table 3) might result from the more possession of thin and small leaves. Hence, the farmer’s selection criteria
conducive environment made by trees, which is attributed to relatively were compatible with the beer’s criteria set.
more growth of coffee shrubs and suitable soil-plant relationship in the Generally, the two first ranked shade trees selected by coffee growers
shaded system. Similarly, the study of Aboma (2016) indicated that of the study area (Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica) were suitable
coffee shrub density was significantly higher under Albizia gummifera for coffee plants and the criteria of selection which farmers were used
and Acacia abyssinica trees than in an open area in Anfillo district, was compatible with standard criteria set by Beer. Moreover, those
western Oromia, Ethiopia. coffee production parameters, coffee density, weight, and yield under
The greatest coffee bean yield, as well as coffee bean weight, was the canopies of both shade tree species and selected soil physicochem­
detected underneath of Albizia gummifera and Acacia abyssinica trees ical properties tested shown relatively higher than unshaded zones.
canopy than open cultivated coffee. This may be credited to the addition Therefore, a coffee-based agroforestry system that integrates Albizia
of organic matter and essential soil nutrients from trees canopy to un­ gummifera and Acacia abyssinica shade trees into the system can be used
derneath soil which is very crucial for the growth of the coffee plant and as an economically feasible, environmentally friendly, and sustainable
yield increment. Similarly, earlier studies also confirmed the relative alternative to maintain soil fertility and increase coffee production
higher yield of coffee under Millettia ferruginea tree (Aerts et al., 2011), under similar agro-ecological conditions. Additionally, to increase
significantly highest under A. abyssinica (Kufa et al., 2007) and greater organic coffee production thereby improving the lively hood of the
yield of coffee under the shade of Croton macrostachyus Cordia Africana, coffee producers, traders, and all communities whom their lively hood
Albizia gummifera, and Acacia abyssinica trees than the coffee yield from depends directly or indirectly on coffee, and to increase the country’s
the open area (Likassa, 2014). income, all stakeholders should play their significant role.
This is further related to the ability of trees to utilize nutrient pools The farmers should plant and conserve suitable shade tree species in
deeper in the soils, than crops would normally be able to access, leading their coffee farms and other places. The government should consider
to increased nutrient capture efficiency (Schaller et al., 2003). Besides, coffee production under the shade of trees like Albizia gummifera and
the competition between shade trees and coffee roots for nutrients is Acacia abyssinica in agricultural policymaking and promote the planting

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