Impact of Eucalyptus globulus on Soil Properties and Farmers’ Perceptions in Ambo District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Eucalyptus globulus , introduced to Ethiopia in the 1890s, has become a widely cultivated tree species, and its impact on soil resources is a topic of extensive debate. This study aimed to assess the effect of E. globulus on selected soil physicochemical properties—farmers’ perceptions in the Ambo District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, of Ethiopia. Two contrasting land use types were selected: Eucalyptus woodlots and adjacent cropland. In order to provide comparable environmental conditions, factors such as slope, terrain, land use history, distance from water body, and fertilizer application have been considered for both land use groups. Six 20 m × 20 m plots were randomly chosen—three from the Eucalyptus woodlots and three from the adjacent croplands—with each plot within a category separated by 50 m. Soil samples were collected using a zigzag sampling technique from a depth of 0–30 cm, and composite samples were created for each plot. Additionally, soil bulk density was measured, separately from the sample collected using a core sampler. The study found that 93.8% of respondents had Eucalyptus plantations, with 81.5%, 92.6%, 100%, and 64.2% perceiving negative effects on soil fertility, crop production, soil water, and soil pH, respectively. However, 100% felt that the plantations were beneficial in preventing soil erosion. Soil under Eucalyptus plantations had higher bulk density (1.371 g/cm 3 ), soil moisture content (5.090%), electrical conductivity (34.42 S/dm), pH (6.67), cation exchange capacity (20.68 cmol/kg), total nitrogen (0.25%), organic carbon (5.17%), and organic matter (8.918%), but lower available phosphorus (1.19 ppm) compared to the cropland. Despite these variations, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in soil properties between the two land use types. Although Eucalyptus plantations were perceived by the majority of people to negatively affect key soil attributes such as fertility, crop production, soil water, and pH, they were unanimously acknowledged for their role in controlling soil erosion. Soil analyses under Eucalyptus plantations showed variations in several parameters, with generally higher values for bulk density, moisture content, pH, organic matter, and other nutrients, but lower available phosphorus compared to cropland. However, these differences were not statistically significant, suggesting that Eucalyptus plantations may alter soil properties, but not to a degree that significantly distinguishes them from adjacent cropland soils.