Agroforestry practices: a necessity for improving agricultural productivity and soil fertility in dif-ferent agroecological zones of Ethiopia

In many parts of Ethiopia, there are serious problems of soil fertility loss and increasing land degradation. This study examines how agroforestry practices affect soil fertility and agricultural production in various agroecological zones in Ethiopia. Various agroforestry practices were employed across the country, including scattered trees in rangelands, forest parks, hedgerows, alley cropping, intercropping, and shifting cultivation. This article reviewed these practices by collecting secondary data from published articles, books, and journals on agroforestry practices that improve agricultural productivity and soil fertility in different agroecological regions of Ethiopia. The study findings suggest that agroforestry practices have a positive impact on agricultural production and soil fertility in various agroecological zones. Furthermore, they help reduce soil erosion, water loss, and organic matter depletion, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity. Soil fertility loss poses a serious threat to agricultural crop growth, impacting social well-being and sustainable economic development. The study notes that soil fertility and agricultural productivity can be significantly improved by adopting agroforestry techniques.