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Article Open Access September 25, 2021

Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Djongmo Victor Awé 1,*, Noumi Valery Noiha 2, Bi Tra Aimé Vroh 3 and Louis Zapfack 4
1
Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
2
Higher Teacher Training College of Bertoua, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
3
UFR BioSciences, University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
4
Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
Publihed in: Open Journal of Agricultural Research (Volume 1, Issue 2, 2021)
Page(s): 74-83
DOI: 10.31586/ojar.2021.138
Received
August 20, 2021
Revised
September 20, 2021
Accepted
September 24, 2021
Published
September 25, 2021
Keywords
Agroforestry technologies; Living hedges; Roots
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright: Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Scientific Publications

Abstract

Abstract: In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii, Erythrina sigmoidea, Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (light soil and heavy soil) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations). The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The experimental set-up is an entirely random factorial design with two factors. The evaluation of the distribution of tree roots was carried out using the profile method. To determine the different textural classes, a particle size analysis was undertaken in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect (p <0.05) on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingii stands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results show that the root system is mainly concentrated near the stump.

1. Introduction

In botany, the root is the underground organ of a plant serving to fix it to the soil and to draw the water and nutrients necessary for its development [1, 2]. It is the prolongation of the stem downwards; it differs from it in several characteristics: its internal structure, its positive geotropism, the presence of a terminal cap and absorbent hairs, the absence of leaves and buds [2, 3]. It is this last characteristic which fundamentally distinguishes it from the stem. The roots are often the seat of symbiosis with bacteria and fungi in the soil, in particular for nitrogen metabolism [2, 3, 4]. The roots can show adaptations in order to facilitate the development of the plant in a particular environment [2, 3, 4, 5]. In some roots are also used to store nutrients [2]. Some plant roots are edible or for medicinal use, others are highly toxic. The roots are the target organs of root herbicides, which are used to control weeds [6].

The distribution of vascular plant roots in the soil depends on the shape of the plants, the spatial and temporal distribution of water and nutrients, and the physical properties of the soil itself [6, 7]. The deepest roots are generally found in deserts and in temperate coniferous forests; the shallower ones are found in tundra, boreal forests and temperate grasslands. In fissured bedrock, the central roots can continue their vertical extension [6, 7]. The strategies for occupying the underground environment by root systems can be summed up in two main situations: an extensive exploration of the soil which is carried out by the periphery of the system or an exploration and intensive exploitation of the soil in which the entire root system is involved[7, 8, 9]. In general, most of the active roots of trees which ensure the absorption of mineral ions and water are shallow roots (between 50 and 80% depending on the species and the environment, located in the first 20 to 30 centimeters of the soil) forming the hairy deciduous root in the short term, the perennial woody roots (superficial and deep roots with a diameter of more than 1 cm) which constitute the root framework essentially ensuring the anchoring and the deciduous woody roots specializing in colonization and l use of the soil[7, 8, 10, 11]. Hence the presence of the study aims to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii, Erythrina sigmoidea, Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (a light soil and a soil heavy) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations) in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study area

The study occurred in Central Africa, more precisely in Cameroon, in the North region of Cameroon. This region is located between 7.2°N to 9.99°N latitude and 12.6° 'E to 15.3°E longitude (Figure 1)[2]. The relief is a vast pedi-plain between the Mandara Mountains (1442 m) to the north and the Adamawa Plateau to the south. [2].The climate is of the Sudano-Sahelian type with two seasons: a dry season lasting six months (November-May) and a rainy season lasting six months (June-October) [2]. The average monthly temperature varies from 26°C in August to 40°C in March (extreme temperatures: 17°C to 40°C) [2]. The soil is of the ferruginous type characterized by acidity (pH = 5.5 to 6) and low cation exchange capacity [2]. The vegetation is a shrubby Sudano-sahelian savannah with a clear and degraded Savannah appearance around the villages [2]. Agriculture is the main activity of the people of the region. The population practices subsistence agriculture (corn, peanuts and millet)[2].The administrative region of Northern Cameroon comprises four subdivisions, namely, Bénoué, Faro, Mayo Louti, and Mayo Rey (Figure 1).

Figure 1
The geographic location of the study area in the North Region of Cameroon
2.2. Choice of study sites and experimental design

The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The choice of trees studied inside the hedges was made according to the general appearance of the tree (absence of signs of disease) and its representativeness of the entire hedge (similar height and diameter).

The experimental design consisted of an entirely random factorial type design with two factors under study; the two types of soil and the four species that make up living hedges. This set-up consisted of three replicates, for a total of 24 experimental units. For each hedge, three transects were considered.

2.3. Data collection

The tree root distribution was assessed using the profile method [7]. This method consists of studying the roots on the smooth walls of open trenches where the roots are to be observed. The trenches were straight, about 80 cm wide by 60 cm deep. Three transects spaced at least 5 meters apart were drawn perpendicular to the line of trees on each site.

The trenches of each transect were dug in the adjacent field on the side of the row of trees which presented no constraint, sometimes downwind, sometimes upwind. The first trenches were dug parallel to the hedges at a distance of one meter from the tree. This distance generally corresponds to the place where the main roots (anchorage) are subdivided into secondary or oblique taproots, medium roots and fine roots [8]. Subsequently, we dug trenches along each transect at distances of 30 cm and 50 cm. In this regard, if no root was observed at 50 cm, then there was no count at 60 cm.

The sites were visited during the months of July, August, September, October, November and December 2020 in order to carry out the necessary measurements. The trenches were dug using a mechanical shovel. The soils were slightly smooth with a shovel or trowel to facilitate observation of the roots. The roots were counted immediately after their exposure. In order to facilitate this procedure, we have placed a frame of 1 m x 1 m on the wall. The interior of this frame was subdivided into squares of 10 cm x 10 cm. This made it possible to determine the root density (number of roots / dm²) according to each depth stratum: 0 - 5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, 20-25 cm, 25-30 cm, 30-35 cm, 35-40 cm, 40-45 cm, 45-50 cm, 50-55 cm and 55-60 cm. The vertical distribution was obtained by observing the rooting depth.

The diameters have been grouped into four classes; class 1: roots <1.0 mm (fine roots); class 2: roots from 1.1-5.0 mm (small roots); class 3: roots 5.1-10 mm (medium roots) and class 4: roots> 10 mm (coarse roots). Root densities are also presented for each of the diameter classes; class 1 (fine roots), class 2 (small roots), class 3 (medium roots) and class 4 (coarse roots).

Particle size analysis was determined by the Robinson's pipette method on air-dried soil samples sieved at 2 mm. The organic matter has previously been destroyed by attack with hydrogen peroxide. The sol was then dispersed by rotary shaking in flasks after addition of sodium hexa-metaphosphate (NaPO3)6. The different particle size fractions were determined by pipetting for the clayey and silty fractions and by sieving for the sand. The textural classes were found using the FAO Textural Triangle, once the proportions of the different textural fractions were calculated.

2.4. Data analyses

The data were encoded in EXCEL software and then analyzed using STATGRAPHICS plus 5.0 and R software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the existence or not of a significant difference in the difference parameters. Duncan test at 0.05was used to compare parameter means.

3. Results

3.1. Root density by diameter class according to the four species

The root density of four species varied depending on the diameter class of the roots. The highest root density was observed in class 2. Commiphora kerstingii stands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all (Figure 2).

Figure 2
Root density by diameter class according to the four species
3.2. Root density of the four species as a function of soil texture and depth

The root density of four species varied depending on the soil texture. The highest root density was observed in clay soils, followed by sandy loam, sandy and silty soils (Figure 3). In all textural classes, Commiphora kerstingii exhibits the highest root densities compared to the other three species. The analysis of variance shows a significant difference between the root density of the species and the textural class of the soil (P <0.05) (Figure 3). The highest root densities were observed in the surface layers of the soil, ie in the first 30 cm (Figure 4). The analysis of variance shows a significant difference between the root density of the species and the depth of the soil (P <0.05) (Figure 4).

Figure 3
Root density of the four species according to soil textures
Figure 4
Figure 4. Root density by depth class according to the four species
3.3. Root density according to the four species

The root density according to the four species was different according to the 60 cm depth of the soil. Analysis of variance shows a very significant difference between the four species and their root densities (P<0.05). The highest root densities were observed in Commiphora kerstingii (113.7 roots / dm²), followed by Ficus thonningii (93.42 roots / dm²), Erythrina sigmoidea (74.66 roots / dm²) and finally Jatropha curcas (55.06 roots / dm²) (Figure 5).

Figure 5
Root density according to the four species over the 60 cm depth of the soil
3.4. Root density by depth class according to soil types and according to the combination of the two soil types

There is an exponential decrease in root density by depth class depending on the type of soil. In the case of light soils, after a constant decrease, the root density stabilizes in the 45-60 cm stratum. For heavy soils, the decrease in root density is constant. Thus, the highest root densities are reached in the surface layer. The highest densities are observed in light soil compared to heavy soil (Figure 6). The root densities are higher in the 0-5 cm depth (56.35 roots / dm²) and lowest in the depths 55-60 cm (6 roots / dm²) (Figure 7). Depending on the combination of the two soil types, the highest root densities which decrease with increasing depth (Figure 7).

Figure 6
Figure 6. Root density by depth class according to soil types
Figure 7
Root density by depth class according to the combination of the two soil types
3.5. Root density of four species depending on agroforestry technology and soil depth

The root density of four species also varied depending on the depth in the three agroforestry technologies (Figure 8). In general, for all depths, the highest root density was observed in fallows (Figure 8). In all technologies, the lowest root density was significantly observed at 0-5 cm and 55-60 cm. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm (Figure 8). On the other hand, for all technologies, the highest root density was located at 30-35 cm.

Figure 8
Influence of agroforestry technology on root biomass, depending on soil depth.

4. Discussion

Work on the deep distribution of roots in agroforestry systems is still rare. These results demonstrate that the rooting in light soil of the species Commiphora kerstingii, Erythrina sigmoidea, Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas is denser and deeper than the rooting of these species in heavy soil. The highest root densities are observed in the surface layers of the soil, ie the first 30 cm. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The root densities are constantly decreasing as the depth increases. However, soil type tends to have an effect on rooting density in the bottom 30 cm of depth for all classes together; higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil.

The difference in rainfall could explain the rooting in the two types of soil. In areas with insufficient rainfall, species tend to develop deep rooting [14, 15].

The soil texture more generally influences the total root density in the profile; clay soils have the highest root densities, followed by sandy loam, sandy and loamy soils. The low amounts of root density found in sandy and loamy soils are linked to their particulate structure with few aggregates, and their lack of organic matter [16, 17].

The fact that clay soils retain more organic matter [18, 19] would explain their higher production of root density; organic matter is better protected there from decomposition by the presence of aggregates. Their cation exchange capacity (CEC) and higher nutrient availability would also cause higher root density production [20, 21]. Root density is higher in fallow land. This could be explained in part by a greater accumulation of organic matter fed by various residues produced by tree litter and by a well-supplied grass cover. Moreover, fallows accumulate more organic matter than cultivated areas [22, 23]. On the other hand, the lower root biomass in wooded parks and in plantations is explained by their lack of organic matter, which limits the availability of nutrients, following unsuiTable table practices such as clearing, plowing and overgrazing.

5. Conclusion

This is in order to better understand the interactions between trees and crops and by the very fact of improving their development as well as their integration in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon that the study of the root systems of trees established in living hedges and in agroforestry technologies was undertaken. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingii stands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results of the study provide a first insight into the root morphological behavior of agroforestry species in semi-arid zones, in response to environments modulated by soils, their use and contrasting seasons.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the referees whose contributions have been very important for the improvement of this manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, D.V.A. and N.N.V.; methodology, D.V.A.; software, B.T.A.V.; validation, N.N.V., D.V.A and L.Z.; formal analysis, D.V.A.; investigation, L.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, D.V.A.; writing—review and editing, B.T.A.V.; visualization, L.Z..; supervision, N.N.V and B.T.A.V. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding: This research received no external funding.

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Cite This Article

APA Style
Awé, D. V. , Awé, D. V. Noiha, N. V. , Noiha, N. V. Vroh, B. T. A. , & Vroh, B. T. A. (2021). Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon. Open Journal of Agricultural Research, 1(2), 74-83. https://doi.org/10.31586/ojar.2021.138
ACS Style
Awé, D. V. ; Awé, D. V. Noiha, N. V. ; Noiha, N. V. Vroh, B. T. A. ; Vroh, B. T. A. Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon. Open Journal of Agricultural Research 2021 1(2), 74-83. https://doi.org/10.31586/ojar.2021.138
Chicago/Turabian Style
Awé, Djongmo Victor, Djongmo Victor Awé. Noumi Valery Noiha, Noumi Valery Noiha. Bi Tra Aimé Vroh, and Bi Tra Aimé Vroh. 2021. "Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon". Open Journal of Agricultural Research 1, no. 2: 74-83. https://doi.org/10.31586/ojar.2021.138
AMA Style
Awé DV, Awé DVNoiha NV, Noiha NVVroh BTA, Vroh BTA. Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon. Open Journal of Agricultural Research. 2021; 1(2):74-83. https://doi.org/10.31586/ojar.2021.138 
@Article{ojar138,
AUTHOR = {Awé, Djongmo Victor and Noiha, Noumi Valery and Vroh, Bi Tra Aimé and Zapfack, Louis},
TITLE = {Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon},
JOURNAL = {Open Journal of Agricultural Research},
VOLUME = {1},
YEAR = {2021},
NUMBER = {2},
PAGES = {74-83},
URL = {/2769-887410.31586/ojar-1-2-310.31586/ojar/1/2/3},
ISSN = {2769-8874},
DOI = {10.31586/ojar.2021.138},
ABSTRACT = {In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii,Erythrina sigmoidea,Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (light soil and heavy soil) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations). The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The experimental set-up is an entirely random factorial design with two factors. The evaluation of the distribution of tree roots was carried out using the profile method. To determine the different textural classes, a particle size analysis was undertaken in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect (p <0.05) on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingiistands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results show that the root system is mainly concentrated near the stump.},
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AB  - In the agroforestry systems of sub-Saharan Africa, the vertical and horizontal distribution of tree root biomass according to the soil profile is still poorly documented. The objective of this study is to verify the root distribution of four species of trees established in living hedges, namely, Commiphora kerstingii,Erythrina sigmoidea,Ficus thonningii and Jatropha curcas according to two types of soil (light soil and heavy soil) and three agroforestry technologies (fallows, wooded parks and plantations). The hedges were mostly monospecific in order to facilitate the identification of the roots. The experimental set-up is an entirely random factorial design with two factors. The evaluation of the distribution of tree roots was carried out using the profile method. To determine the different textural classes, a particle size analysis was undertaken in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the number of roots decreases rapidly after 30 cm of depth. The highest root densities are observed in the first 30 cm. Soil type has a slight effect (p <0.05) on rooting density in the last 30 cm of depth for all root classes, higher densities were obtained in light soil compared to heavy soil. Commiphora kerstingiistands out significantly by obtaining a higher number of roots than the other species for all classes. Among the technologies, the plantations showed the lowest root density at 0-5 cm and the highest at 55-60 cm. The root density was higher in the fallows. The results show that the root system is mainly concentrated near the stump.
DO  - Root Distribution of Four Tree Species Planted in Living Hedges according to Two Types of Soil and Three Agroforestry Technologies in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon
TI  - 10.31586/ojar.2021.138
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  1. Kubikova J. (1967). Contribution to the classification of root systems in woody plants. Preslia. 39: 236-243.[Source Link]
  2. Awé D.V.; Noiha N.V.;Zapfack L.;Vroh B.T.A.;Nyeck B. (2019). Vegetation Structure, Root Biomass Distribution and Soil Carbon Stock of Savannah Agrosystems in Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon. J Bot Res. 2(1) :68-77 .[CrossRef]
  3. PavlychenkoT. K. (1942). Root systems of certain forage crops in relation to the management of agricultural soils. Nat. Res. Council Bull. 1088:46.[Source Link]
  4. Stout B.B. (1956). Studies of the root systems of deciduous trees. Black Rock Forest Bulletin. 15:1–45.[Source Link]
  5. David H.V.L.; Jack B.W.; Michael J.T.(1983). Biomass and nutrient content of a 41-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation on a poor site in South Carolina. Forest Science. 30(2):395-404.[Source Link]
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