Decomposition- and N-mineralization rates of multipurpose tree prunings applied as a source of N to annual crops in agroforestry systems are affected by the chemical composition and method and time of application of the prunings and the soil type. In a greenhouse study undertaken on two contrasting Zimbabwean soils, there was a significant interaction of pruning quality with time and method of pruning application on nitrogen recovery by maize and residual effects on a subsequent maize crop on both soil types. Incorporating prunings in the soil at planting gave higher nitrogen recovery compared to surface application at two or four weeks after planting for all three MPT species used.Flemingia macrophylla showed prolonged N immobilization on an Alfisol (sandy clay loam) but not on the Psamment (sandy soil). Nitrogen recovery by the second maize crop (residual effect) was influenced by pruning quality, time of application, and soil type. Low-quality prunings such asFlemingia macrophylla andAcacia angustissima applied four weeks after planting gave higher residual effect on N recovery on the Alfisol than on the Psamment (3% vs. 6%).