This study investigated the temporal and spatial variation in photosynthetic activity of Vitellaria paradoxa (shea tree) growing in agroforestry parklands across two contrasting climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content, leaf temperature, stomatal conductance, and environmental variables were conducted from April to December 2023 to assess physiological responses to climatic variability. Significant differences were observed between the northern and southern Sudanian phytogeographical zones, particularly in chlorophyll content, energy dissipation mechanisms, and photosynthetic performance. Trees in the more humid southern Sudanian zone exhibited higher chlorophyll content and better photosynthetic efficiency than those in the drier northern zone. Leaf temperature was strongly influenced by ambient temperature, while vapor pressure deficit and photosynthetically active radiation affected stomatal conductance and energy dissipation processes. The results demonstrate that V. paradoxa possesses physiological mechanisms that enable adaptation to changing environmental conditions, including regulation of heat dissipation, chlorophyll utilization, and gas exchange. These findings improve understanding of the ecophysiological resilience of shea trees under climate change and provide insights for sustaining agroforestry parklands in the Sudano-Sahelian region.
Tag: Agroforestry systems
Coupling of soil carbon and water dynamics in two agroforestry systems in Malawi
This study evaluated the effects of Gliricidia sepium-maize agroforestry systems on carbon dynamics, soil properties, and water fluxes in Malawi as a strategy for enhancing climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural production. The research was conducted at two long-term experimental sites managed by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), representing agroforestry systems established for more than 10 and more than 30 years. Soil carbon content, organic matter stability, soil physical characteristics, hydraulic properties, soil moisture, matric potential, and responses to rainfall events were assessed and compared with maize monoculture systems. Results showed that the incorporation of Gliricidia sepium increased soil carbon stocks and enhanced carbon stabilization, particularly at sites with lower initial soil carbon content. While changes in basic soil physical properties such as porosity and bulk density were limited, agroforestry plots exhibited improved saturated hydraulic conductivity and greater soil water storage capacity. The agroforestry systems generally retained more water and provided protection against soil drying below the topsoil, likely through enhanced infiltration into deeper soil layers. The findings demonstrate that agroforestry impacts on water dynamics are strongly influenced by local soil conditions and require direct field-based measurements for accurate assessment. Overall, integrating Gliricidia sepium into maize production can improve nutrient cycling, enhance soil carbon sequestration, increase water-use efficiency, and support climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems in Malawi.
Drivers of tree species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in smallholder agroforestry systems in Laikipia East, Central Kenya
Agroforestry is highly valued for its role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement, yet empirical knowledge on how tree diversity and carbon stocks relate to environmental, farm-level, and household factors remain limited. This study combined whole-farm tree inventories and household surveys across 55 farms in Laikipia East Sub-County to assess patterns and drivers of woody species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks. A total of 108 woody species (6,756 individuals) across 38 families were recorded. Native species accounted for 56% of all species but only 40% of individuals, indicating dominance by a few exotic species. Species richness was highest in croplands (70 species) and boundary areas (59 species), which together accounted for 65% of all recorded trees. Young trees dominated the farms (>50%), mature trees made up about one-third, while large trees (<10%) were mostly confined to boundaries and croplands. Aboveground carbon stocks varied widely (mean: 16.5±7.1 t C/ha), with highest densities in woodlots (40.0±12.7 t C/ha) and homegardens (20.0±9.5 t C/ha). Multivariate analyses showed that plant density and average tree size were the strongest predictors of aboveground carbon (p< 0.01), while species richness was influenced primarily by the diversity of agroforestry practices and selected household characteristics, including respondent’s gender and household size (p < 0.05). Species diversity showed a weak relationship with aboveground carbon stocks (r < 0.20). These findings highlight both the ecological value and structural limitations of smallholder agroforestry. We recommend promoting tree conservation, native regeneration, and diversified agroforestry practices as strategies to enhance carbon storage and biodiversity outcomes in the region.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.
Climate variability impacts on growth of African grape (Lannea microcarpa Engl & K. Krause) in West Africa
Lannea microcarpa is a deciduous tree with high socio-economic value in West African agroforestry systems. While climate-growth relationships remain unknown, this species is exposed to climate extremes. Knowledge of its response to climate variations is needed for its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the growth of Lannea microcarpa in two climatic zones in West Africa (Sudanian zone of Mali and Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso) using standard dendrochronological methods. In both sites, Lannea microcarpa forms distinct growth ring-boundaries characterized by a wider band with more parenchyma cell rows and is also marked by its solitary vessels. The two standard chronologies developed were significantly correlated with the precipitation records in both Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.41, n = 30 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 =0.60, n = 53 years, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a strong relationship between major seasonal precipitation (between June and September) and residual chronology was observed in Burkina Faso (r2 = 0.51, n = 28 years, p < 0.01) and Mali (r2 = 0.65, n = 52 years, p < 0.001). The formation of annual growth rings is clearly influenced by climate variability, but not all variance is accounted for. The insignificant correlation between the chronologies of the two regions may be due to various factors, including differences in climate factors and soil conditions influencing buffered water availability. Similar studies on other tree species in West Africa will be useful.