Soil infiltrability and water content as affected by Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) and Néré (Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.) trees in farmed parklands of West Africa

The effect of baobab ( Adansonia digitata L.) and néré ( Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.) trees on soil water content and water infiltration was investigated in farmed parkland at Nobéré, Burkina Faso, West Africa. Soil infiltrability was measured using tension head infiltrometers under trees and in an open field. Soil water content was determined gravimetrically. Soil infiltrability was higher below the edge of tree crowns compared with the open. There were no differences in infiltrability between soil under both tree species and in the open field. However, soil infiltrability increased from tree trunks to crown edges. This is probably due to tillage and/or higher compaction under trees than in the open field. In contrast to soil infiltrability, soil moisture was higher under tree crowns compared with the open field, perhaps due to higher organic matter content and reduced evaporation under trees.