UCLA

Changing environmental conditions in dryland areas exacerbate land degradation and food insecurity in many sub-Saharan African nations. Multi-purpose tree species such as Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton, are favored for reforestation and land reclamation as compared to single-use species. A great deal of research has also focused on this tree species due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which is returned over time to the soil via the recycling of N-rich plant tissue. We review the recent literature on how S. senegal contributes to soil fertility and crop production especially in the context of sustainable and ecological agriculture. We also review the current literature on this legume species with regard to its microsymbionts, with the goal of further maximizing the potential of S. senegal for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Senegalia senegal, which has the potential to restore degraded soils and to be used for agroforestry, is both economically and ecologically important for the dry areas of sub-Saharan Africa because it produces gum arabic, an important commodity crop for smallholder farmers; it succeeds where other crops fail. This tree species also can correct soil fertility loss caused by continuous agriculture and worsened by a reduced or non-existent fallow period. Senegalia senegal and its soil microbes are positively associated with this species' ability to survive in harsh conditions. This tree is an important candidate for restoring soil fertility and providing commercial products especially in countries with arid environments.