Effects of Eucalyptus Plants on Food Crop Yields in Binka Village

Abstract

Although eucalypts have socio-economic importance in most parts of the world, their devastating effects on food crops are enormous. Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have used eucalypts as an important plant for agroforestry. In Cameroon, many farmers especially in the Western Highlands have adopted these trees for domestic and economic reasons. In subsistence farming societies such as those of Binka village in Donga-Mantung Division of the North West Region, planting a variety of crops including tree plants such as eucalypts for sustenance is a common phenomenon. Planting eucalypts around food crop farms without pre-selection of specific eucalypts and food crops pose some incompatibilities such as inadequate water supply for crop growth, soil impoverishment and stunted crop growth resulting to poor food crop yields. This study seeks to investigate the effects of selected eucalypts species on some commonly cultivated food crops (maize, beans and irish potatoes) in Binka. Four separate farms: two eucalypts and two food crop farms at Mbigha and Manchep carved out by 100m2 each were used. Eucalypts farms were measured 5m away from crop farms, a standard measurement chosen for the study. A tape was used to measure the length of secondary roots, depth of tap roots from dug out stumps, and circumference of tree shadow measured at different periods of the day; morning, afternoon and towards sunset to determine the effects of eucalypts on food crops. Field observation and a total of 30 informants provided primary qualitative data and oral history for the study while secondary data was obtained from related literature. Results reveal that the age, canopy cover and root distance at 5m to food crop farms by eucalypts such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. angophoroides, E, quadrangulata and E. angulata have resulted to stunted crop growth with yellowish leaves which negatively affects food crop yields. It is hoped that the outcome of this study will provide valuable interventions aimed at creating awareness on the effects of eucalypts on food crop yields. The study can also provide information for agriculture personnel to educate farmers on the importance of pre-selecting specific eucalypts species that can be compatible with food crops production in the area.