Effect of Croton macrostachyus trees on yield of maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) 22crops in parkland agroforestry in central-Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of scattered Croton macrostachyus trees on the yield of maize and wheat in Miserak Azernat District, Silte Zone, Central Ethiopia, during the 2023–2024 cropping season. The objective was to evaluate the yield and yield components of maize and wheat grown under and outside the canopy of Croton macrostachyus trees. For the crop experiment, two factors were used: crop type (maize and wheat) and three radial distances from the tree (1.5 m, 3.5 m, and 25 m as a control), with each crop replicated four times in an RCBD, giving a total of 24 samples. The three radial distances (1.5 m, 3.5 m, and 25 m) were replicated eight times in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The results revealed that the yield and yield components of wheat and maize were higher under and near the tree canopy than farther from it. Wheat yields increased significantly at 1.5 m by 22 percent, while maize yields were highest at 1.5 m with a 14.6 percent increase compared to 25 m from the tree trunk. The study showed that wheat is a more compatible crop under the canopy of Croton macrostachyus compared to maize. The study concluded that integrating Croton macrostachyus trees with suitable crop combinations could enhance crop yields. The research recommends further studies on tree pollarding, other management practices, and litter quality.