Comparative assessment of the microclimatic impacts of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> and <i>Senegalia senegal</i> shelterbelt projects on four weather variables at Sule Tankarkar, Jigawa state, Nigeria

This study assessed and compared the microclimatic impacts of Azadirachta indica and Senegalia senegal shelterbelt projects on four weather variables in the study area. Meteorological records of these elements from the protected sides of both shelterbelts were measured at early (2010 – 2014); senescence (2015 – 2019) and maturity (2020 – 2024) growth stages, having established in 1995 and under the same agro ecology. Mean values of these weather variables recorded on the sheltered side of Azadirachta indica were computed and compared with the records of the same variables measured on the protected side of Senegalia senegal. At the first stage, the respective mean values of rainfall were 877.32 and 823.98 mm, and the mean difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, the respective average relative humidity (R.H.), temperature, and wind speed were all significant (p < 0.05). At second stage, it was observed that mean values of rainfall and R.H were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their corresponding values at the first stage. However, the mean values of temperature and wind speed were significantly lower. Again, differences between mean values of the four weather variables from the sheltered sides of both species were also significant. Results showed same trend of changes in 2020 – 2024 growth stage. Thus, Azadirachta indica had greater significant microclimatic impact on the four weather variables studied at the three growth stages. The study concluded and confirmed the direct relationship between the microclimatic potentials of both species and their canopy densities that varied with stages of growth. The need for proper understanding of both botany and adaptation potentials of species to be involved in programs and projects of environmental management was strongly recommended.