More articles from Volume 8, Issue 2, 2023
Implications of incorrectly determining site index on stand-level management activities and financial returns in older generation loblolly pine plantations
Responses at the stand and tree level to ice storm injuries in beech forests in eastern Serbia
Assessment of carbon sequestration of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) plantation on the campus of University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Effects of Eucalyptus species on soil physicochemical properties in Ruhande Arboretum, Rwanda
Monitoring of groundwater level fluctuations at flooded area of lowland forests of the Sava River (Serbia)
Citations
4
Bertrand F. Nero, E. G. Zaki
(2025)
Eucalyptus pellita Plantations May Alter Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Dry Semideciduous Forest Zone in Ghana
Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2025(1)
10.1155/aess/9966126
Alain N. Choullin, Francis B.T. Silatsa, Etienne Mboua, Martin Jemo, Georges M. Ndzana, Dieudonne Bitondo
(2026)
Appraising soil physical degradation using the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) in the Western Highlands, Cameroon
Soil and Tillage Research, 256()
10.1016/j.still.2025.106881
Francis Wilson Owusu, Mary Mamle Apetorgbor, James Kofi Korang, Courage Alorbu, Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi, Rado Gazo, Francis Asare
(2024)
Natural durability of Eucalyptus species harvested as electricity transmission poles in two different ecological zones of Ghana
Scientific African, 26()
10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02414
Théoneste Muhizi, Gervais Manizabayo, Colores Uwamariya, Jean Bosco Nkuranga, Daniel Umereweneza, Hassan Latrache
(2025)
Antibacterial Activity of Eucalyptus Essential Oils in Both Culture Media and Coated Materials
International Journal of Microbiology, 2025(1)
10.1155/ijm/2756030Effects of Eucalyptus species on soil physicochemical properties in Ruhande Arboretum, Rwanda
,
Olivier Niyompuhwe
,
Charbel Maklouf Jabiro
Canisius Patrick Mugunga
Abstract
This study combines research on soil physical and chemical properties as affected by four Eucalyptus species in Ruhande arboretum. The soil samples for research properties were taken from 0-20 cm depth using auger and one undisturbed core from each sampling unit was taken for the analysis of soil bulk density. Soil bulk density and moisture did not differ significantly between all treatments. Sand proportions differed significantly only between E. tereticornis and E. maidenii whereas silt and clay were non-significant. The soil under Eucalyptus was sandy, with sand proportion ranging from 66.4-71%. Bulk density increased with increasing sand whereas moisture content showed a reverse trend. The soil samples for studying chemical properties were taken as described in Nsabimana et al. 2008. All chemical parameters except base saturation differed significantly between treatments. Soil pH was strongly acidic but rich in total nitrogen and organic carbon which was attributed to higher litter production, its relatively faster rate of decomposition, and greater amount of residues produced by the eucalypts. Carbon/nitrogen ratio, CEC, and BS were high under all treatments while the available phosphorus was lower which was attributed to the low pH. Future studies should test if the species similarly affect the soil or not and confirm if the species increase soil nutrients. Benchmarked study sites should be used to enable differences in the species effects on the site if any.
Keywords
References
Abebe, M., & Tadesse, W. (2014). Eucalyptus in Ethiopia Risk or Opportunity?
Alemayhu, A., & Yakob, G. (n.d.). Soil physicochemical properties under eucalyptus tree species planted in alley maize cropping agroforestry practice in Decha Woreda, Kaffa zone, southwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology, 10(2), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v10i2.51570
Alemie, T. C. (2009). The effect of Eucalyptus on crop productivity, and soil properties in the Koga watershed.
Andrews, S. S., & Carroll, C. R. (2001). DESIGNING A SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE AGROECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT. Ecological Applications, 11(6), 1573–1585. https://doi.org/10.1890/1051-0761(2001)011[1573:DASQAT]2.0.CO;2
Augusto, L., Ranger, J., Binkley, D., & Rothe, A. (2002). Impact of several common tree species of European temperate forests on soil fertility. Annals of Forest Science, 59(3), 233–253. https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2002020
AWETO *, A. O., & MOLEELE, N. M. (2005). Impact ofEucalyptus camaldulensisplantation on an alluvial soil in south eastern Botswana. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 62(2), 163–170. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020723042000275141
Baize, D. (1993). Soil Science Analyses: A Guide to Current Use.
Balamurugan, J., Kumar, K., Swamy, A., & Rajarajan, A. (2000). Effects of Eucalyptus citriodora on the physical and chemical properties of soils. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 48(3), 491–495.
Bargali, S. S., Singh, R. P., & Joshi, M. (1993). Changes in soil characteristics in eucalypt plantations replacing natural broad‐leaved forests. Journal of Vegetation Science, 4(1), 25–28. https://doi.org/10.2307/3235730
Berendse, F. (1998). Effects of dominant plant species on soils during succession in nutrient-poor ecosystems. In Plant-induced soil changes: Processes and feedbacks (pp. 73–88). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2691-7_4
Blake, G. R. (1965a). Bulk Density. In Agronomy Monographs (pp. 374–390). https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr9.1.c30
Blake, G. R. (1965b). Bulk Density. In Agronomy Monographs (pp. 374–390). https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr9.1.c30
Bouyoucos, G. J. (1962). Hydrometer Method Improved for Making Particle Size Analyses of Soils1. Agronomy Journal, 54(5), 464–465. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1962.00021962005400050028x
Burren, C. (1995). Les Eucalyptus au Rwanda. Analyse de 60 ans d’expérience avec référence particulière à l’arboretum de Ruhande. In Intercoopération Organisation Suisse Pour Le Développement et La Coopération.
Calder, I. R., Rosier, P. T. W., Prasanna, K. T., & Parameswarappa, S. (n.d.). Eucalyptus water use greater than rainfall input - possible explanation from southern India. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 1(2), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-1-249-1997
Cao, Y., Fu, S., Zou, X., Cao, H., Shao, Y., & Zhou, L. (2010). Soil microbial community composition under Eucalyptus plantations of different age in subtropical China. European Journal of Soil Biology, 46(2), 128–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2009.12.006
Carrow, R. N., Stowell, L., Gelernter, W., Davis, S., Duncan, R. R., & Skorulski, J. (2004). Clarifying soil testing: III. SLAN sufficiency ranges and recommendations. Golf Course Management, 72(1), 194–198.
Chalchat, J.-C., Muhayimana, A., Habimana, J. B., & Chabard, J. L. (1997). Aromatic Plants of Rwanda. II. Chemical Composition of Essential Oils of TenEucalyptusSpecies Growing in Ruhande Arboretum, Butare, Rwanda. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 9(2), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1997.9699453
Chanie, T., Collick, A. S., Adgo, E., Lehmann, C. J., & Steenhuis, T. S. (2013). Eco-hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus in the semi humid Ethiopian Highlands: the Lake Tana Plain. Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, 61(1), 21–29b. https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2013-0004
Cooper, J. D. (2016). Gravimetric method. Soil water measurement: A practical handbook. In Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin (Vol. 419).
Cortez, C. T., Nunes, L. A. P. L., Rodrigues, L. B., Eisenhauer, N., & Araújo, A. S. F. (n.d.). Soil microbial properties in Eucalyptus grandis plantations of different ages. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, ahead, 0–0. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-95162014005000059
Davidson, J. (1989). The Eucalypt dilemma: Argument for and against Eucalypt planting in Ethiopia.
Demessie, A., Singh, B. R., Lal, R., & Strand, L. T. (n.d.). Leaf litter fall and litter decomposition underEucalyptusand coniferous plantations in Gambo District, southern Ethiopia. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B - Soil & Plant Science, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/09064710.2011.645497
Dessie, G., & Erkossa, T. (2011). Eucalyptus in East Africa: Socio-economic and environmental issues.
Duchaufour, P. (1994). Pédologie: Sol, Végétation, Environnement.
F.A.O. (1979). Eucalyptus for planting. FAO forestry and forest products study No.11.
F.A.O. (1998). World reference base for soil references (Vol. 109).
Fujii, K. (2014). Soil acidification and adaptations of plants and microorganisms in Bornean tropical forests. Ecological Research, 29(3), 371–381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-014-1144-3
Hazelton, P., & Murphy, B. (2007). Interpreting Soil Test Results. https://doi.org/10.1071/9780643094680
Heilman, P., & Norby, R. J. (1998). Nutrient cycling and fertility management in temperate short rotation forest systems. Biomass and Bioenergy, 14(4), 361–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0961-9534(97)10072-1
Ilaco, B. V. (2013). Agriculture Compendium for Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics.
Jagger, P., & Pender, J. (2003). The role of trees for sustainable management of less-favored lands: the case of eucalyptus in Ethiopia. Forest Policy and Economics, 5(1), 83–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1389-9341(01)00078-8
Jobbágy, E. G., & Jackson, R. B. (2003). Patterns and mechanisms of soil acidification in the conversion of grasslands to forests. Biogeochemistry, 64(2), 205–229. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024985629259
Journal of Environment and Earth Science. (n.d.). https://doi.org/10.7176/JEES
Kassa, G., Molla, E., & Abiyu, A. (2019). Effects of Eucalyptus tree plantations on soil seed bank and soil physicochemical properties of Qimbaba forest. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 5(1), 1711297. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2019.1711297
Kassegn Asnakew, S., Bekalu Melis, A., & Asmamaw Alemu, A. (n.d.). Effect of Eucalyptus Globules Woodlot Plantation on Selected Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Wheat Yield in Wogera District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Journal of Soil and Water Science, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.36959/624/441
Kolay, A. K. (2000). Basic Concepts of Soil Science.
Laclau, J.-P., Ranger, J., de Moraes Gonçalves, J. L., Maquère, V., Krusche, A. V., M’Bou, A. T., Nouvellon, Y., Saint-André, L., Bouillet, J.-P., de Cassia Piccolo, M., & Deleporte, P. (2010). Biogeochemical cycles of nutrients in tropical Eucalyptus plantations. Forest Ecology and Management, 259(9), 1771–1785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.06.010
Landon. (1991). Booker Tropical Soil Manual. A Handbook for Soil Survey and Agricultural Land Evaluation in the Tropics and Subtropics.
Leite, F. P., Silva, I. R., Novais, R. F., Barros, N. F. de, & Neves, J. C. L. (2010). Alterations of soil chemical properties by eucalyptus cultivation in five regions in the Rio Doce Valley. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Do Solo, 34(3), 821–831. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-06832010000300024
Lemma, B., Kleja, D. B., Nilsson, I., & Olsson, M. (2006). Soil carbon sequestration under different exotic tree species in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Geoderma, 136(3–4), 886–898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2006.06.008
Liang, J., Reynolds, T., Wassie, A., Collins, C., & Wubalem, A. (2016). Effects of exotic <em>Eucalyptus spp.</em> plantations on soil properties in and around sacred natural sites in the northern Ethiopian Highlands. AIMS Agriculture and Food, 1(2), 175–193. https://doi.org/10.3934/agrfood.2016.2.175
Mengistu, B., Amayu, F., Bekele, W., & Dibaba, Z. (2022). Effects of Eucalyptus species plantations and crop land on selected soil properties. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 6(4), 277–285. https://doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2020.1833627
Mensah, A. K. (2016). Effects of Eucalyptus plantation on soil physico-chemical properties in Thiririka sub-catchment, Kiambu County, Kenya. In A Master’s Thesis, School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University (p. 93).
Metson, A. J. (1961). Methods of chemical analysis for soil survey samples. New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Government Printer, 12.
Molina, A., Reigosa, M. J., & Carballeira, A. (1991). Release of allelochemical agents from litter, throughfall, and topsoil in plantations ofEucalyptus globulus Labill in Spain. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 17(1), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994428
Msanya, B. M., Kaaya, A. K., Araki, S., Otsuka, H., & Nyadzi, G. I. (n.d.). Pedological characteristics, general fertility and classification of some benchmark soils of Morogoro District, Tanzania. African Journal of Science and Technology, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/ajst.v4i2.15309
Mugunga, C. P., Kool, D., Van Wijk, M. T., Mohren, G. M. J., & Giller, K. E. (2015). Water use by short rotation Eucalyptus woodlots in southern Rwanda. Agroforestry Systems, 89(6), 1119–1139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-015-9843-5
Murphy, S., Giménez, D., Muldowney, L. S., & Heckman. (2012). Soil Organic Matter Level and Interpretation (pp. 1–3).
Nsabimana, D., Klemedtson, L., BA., K., & Wallin, G. (2008). Soil carbon and nutrient accumulation under forest plantations in southern Rwanda. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2(6), 142–149.
Nsabimana, D., Klemedtson, L., Kaplin, B. A., & Wallin, G. (2009). Soil CO2 flux in six monospecific forest plantations in Southern Rwanda. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 41(2), 396–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2008.12.004
Rhoades, C., & Binkley, D. (1996). Factors influencing decline in soil pH in Hawaiian Eucalyptus and Albizia plantations. Forest Ecology and Management, 80(1–3), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1127(95)03646-6
Rwibasira, P., Naramabuye, F. X., Nsabimana, D., & Carnol, M. (n.d.). Long-Term Effects of Forest Plantation Species on Chemical Soil Properties in Southern Rwanda. Soil Systems, 5(4), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems5040059
S, R. M. (2012). Impact of Eucalyptus plantations on pasture land on soil properties and carbon sequestration in Brazil. SLU, Department of Soil and Environment, 19.
Sarker, P., Kashem, M. A., Ahmed, A., Hoque, S., & Hossain, M. Z. (n.d.). Effects of eucalyptus on soil properties and litter decomposition processes. Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences, 443–452. https://doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v30i3.59036
Steiner, K. G. (1998). Using farmers’ knowledge of soils in making research results more relevant to field practice: Experiences from Rwanda. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 69(3), 191–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(98)00107-8
Teketay, D. (2003). Experience on Eucalyptus plantations in Ethiopia. In Forum on Eucalyptus Dilemma (Vol. 5, pp. 34–48).
Tererai, F. (2012). The effects of invasive trees in riparian zones and implications for management and restoration: Insights from Eucalyptus invasions in South Africa.
Tererai, F., Gaertner, M., Jacobs, S. M., & Richardson, D. M. (2015). Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Invasion in Riparian Zones Reveals Few Significant Effects on Soil Physico‐Chemical Properties. River Research and Applications, 31(5), 590–601. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.2762
Tomašić, M., Zgorelec, Ž., Jurišić, A., & Kisić, I. (n.d.). CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY OF DOMINANT SOIL TYPES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 14(3), 84–98. https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1286
Verdoodt, A., & Van, R. E. (2003). Land evaluation for agricultural production in the tropics. A large-scale land suitability classification for Rwanda.
Wiltshire, R. J. E. (2004a). TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS | Eucalypts. In Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences (pp. 1687–1699). https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-145160-7/00188-5
Wiltshire, R. J. E. (2004b). TROPICAL ECOSYSTEMS | Eucalypts. In Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences (pp. 1687–1699). https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-145160-7/00188-5
Yitaferu, B., Abewa, A., & Amare, T. (n.d.). Expansion of Eucalyptus Woodlots in the Fertile Soils of the Highlands of Ethiopia: Could It Be a Treat on Future Cropland Use? Journal of Agricultural Science, 5(8). https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v5n8p97
Zewdie, M. (2008). Temporal Changes of Biomass Production, Soil Properties and Ground Flora in Eucalyptus globulus Plantations in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia.
Zhang, Y., Wang, K., Wang, J., Liu, C., & Shangguan, Z. (n.d.). Changes in soil water holding capacity and water availability following vegetation restoration on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88914-0
Zhao, Z., Liu, G., Liu, Q., Huang, C., Li, H., & Wu, C. (n.d.). Distribution Characteristics and Seasonal Variation of Soil Nutrients in the Mun River Basin, Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(9), 1818. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091818
Citation
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Article metrics
Google scholar:
See link
The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
