Evaluation of Alley Cropping with Selected Leguminous Multipurpose Tree Species on Maize Production and Soil Fertility at Abaya District, West Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Agroforestry as a dynamic ecologically-based natural resources management system that through the integration of trees on farms and in agricultural landscape diversifies sustains production for increased socio-economic environmental benefits. Among those, alley cropping is one agroforestry practices which growing food crops between hedgerows planted shrubs trees, preferably leguminous species. A study was conducted to evaluate contributions improving maize yield role soil fertility improvement area. Susbania sesban Cajanus cajan trees/shrubs were selected their potential improve (nitrogen fixing) have other uses such fodder. The experiment designed with four treatments laid out randomized complete block design three replications (block) along slope gradient. size sampling units (a plot) each treatment 20 m x 13 distance (plots) 2 m, while; blocks 3 m. Alley crop doubled per plot an 5 variety (Gibe 2) sown alleys recommended spacing 25 cm 75 plant rows respectively. Soil samples collected analyzed change made improvement. As result, significant difference among arrangements grain observed at (P<0.001). highest total obtained from fertilizer (5.16 ton/ha) 2018 season grown (4.33 2019 season. chemical properties under plots improved compared control plots. Positive changes terms organic C, N, pH, available K, exchangeable Ca, Mg CEC top layer detected system. Tree/shrub species seemed be better than health. Accordingly, it application tree/shrub has multipurpose importance.