Feedback from Discussant Prof. Yonika Ngaga (Left) and Mukamparirwa presenting and responding to questions (Right)
By Vestine Mukamparirwa
Introduction
Rwanda, known for its hilly landscapes, offers an exceptional opportunity to study the effects of tree species on soil health. My research involved two contrasting regions: the semi-arid in Kayonza and the humid highland in Musanze districts. In these regions, my research focused on how litter from different agroforestry trees including native species decomposes and release nutrients into the soil. Data collection was both challenging and rewarding. I used the litterbag technique to study decomposition rates. This involved placing leaf litter in mesh bags and laying them on the soil. Every few weeks, I retrieved the bags to measure how much mass had been lost and in addition to fieldwork, I conducted laboratory analyses to measure the chemical traits of the leaves, such as their nutrient content. I also looked at morphological traits like leaf thickness, leaf area, and specific leaf area to see how these characteristics influence decomposition rates. One of the most enriching parts of my research has been interacting with local farmers. I learned about the tree species that are most effective for soil improvement. Their insights guided me in selecting the species for my study, ensuring that my research is rooted in practical, real-world applications.
Sharing my findings
As per Sokoine University of Agriculture regulations, after conducting research and data collection, two refereed seminar presentations are done to share research findings with academic community and gain valuable feedback. These seminars were organized under the REFOREST program, and I had the opportunity to present my research findings and receive constructive feedback from the academic audiences on June 14th and 25th, 2024.
The key highlights from my presentations were about my research contribution to forestry sciences, especially offering new knowledge and practical solutions of valuing under-utilized species for improving organic resource management and nutrient cycling in agroforestry systems. By understanding how different tree species contribute to soil health, we can develop better agroforestry ractices that enhance soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture. This is especially important in Rwanda, where soil degradation poses a significant challenge to farmers.
