Nutrient cycling by Acacia erioloba (syn. Acacia giraffae) in smallholder agroforestry practices of a semi-arid environment in the North West Province, South Africa

Acacia erioloba is an ecologically important indigenous leguminous tree in semi-arid areas of Southern Africa because of the many benefits it offers to local communities. However, little quantitative plant and soil data exist to explain its ability to enhance soil fertility under local conditions. Paired soil samples taken under and beyond A. erioloba tree canopies were analyzed to quantify the concentration of nutrients in two local agroforestry practices defined as trees dispersed on cultivated and grazing lands. In both practices, there was a significantly higher (