Long-Term Effects of Forest Plantation Species on Chemical Soil Properties in Southern Rwanda

Understanding the long-term effects of tree species on soil properties is crucial for development forest restoration policies in relation to choice that meet both environmental and local livelihood needs. This study was performed Arboretum Ruhande, Southern Rwanda, where monocultures 148 deciduous 56 conifer have been established 0.25 ha replicated plots from 1933 onwards. We investigated six exotic two native planted monoculture mixed within one self-regenerated plot layers (0–5 cm 5–10 depth). measured general (pH, SOM, exchangeable base cations) water-soluble C N as a proxy functioning. Changes were observed upper layer all species. Planting Eucalyptus caused acidification, whereas cations pH higher under (Entandrophragma excelsum Polyschias fulva) The more pronounced hot water-extractable than other properties. Their analyses could be used detecting changes functioning linked vegetation types.