The effect of Ensosila (Impatiens tinctoria) on soil physico-chemical properties across soil depth and topographic position in Northern Ethiopia

Background and Aims Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich, locally known as Ensosila, is a traditional cosmetic herb native to East Africa, specifically Tigray, Ethiopia. In Southern Tigray, where this study took place, Ensosila has been cultivated on small farms for its cosmetic uses for many years. However, the species is now facing the threat of extinction due to limited awareness of its additional benefits like its potential impact on soil productivity. Hence, this study was initiated to investigate the effects of Ensosila cultivation on selected soil physico-chemical properties across soil depths and topographic positions. Methods Soil samples were taken from two land uses, Ensosila planted and non-planted farmlands, two soil depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) and three topographic positions (upper, middle and lower). Key soil parameters including texture, bulk density (BD), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Av.P) and exchangeable potassium (Ex.K) were taken as major indicators. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparisons were made using LSD. Results The results revealed that all tested soil parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by land use. Ensosila planted soils had 1.4%, 6.3%, 31.9%, 46.2%, 27.6% and 7.4% higher pH, EC, SOC, TN, Av. P and Ex.K, respectively. Plantation of the herb also resulted 3.3% lower in BD. Furthermore, its residual effect contributed to a 15.53 kg/ha of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) equivalent. Conclusions It can be concluded that Ensosila had a potential impact on enhancing soil physico-chemical properties.