Abstract
Tree species, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, play a key role in enhancing soil fertility, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. Although
Ziziphus
species are dominant in the study area and provide economic and environmental benefits, their full potential remains underexplored. This study focuses on the income and soil fertility contributions of
Ziziphus spina-christi
(L.) Desf. at Tsemera District, Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia. For this study, 98 farmers were selected using systematic random sampling and 36 composite samples with three depths. Data were collected through a household survey of 98 respondents, soil sampling and laboratory analysis of samples collected under and immediately outside the canopy of
Z. spina-christi
(L) Desf trees across different slope positions and soil depths, and field observations. The findings revealed that
Z. spina-christi
(L.) Desf. is vital in rural livelihoods, offering essential resources such as fruits, fuel, fodder, construction materials, and farming tools. The average total annual income of households was 111,814 ETB, of which crop production, livestock production, transfers and gifts, and
Z. spina-christi
(L) Desf contributed 35.8%, 32.9%, 25.8%, and 5.5%, respectively. Soil analysis showed that soils beneath the canopy of
Z. spina-christi
(L.) Desf. had higher organic matter and organic carbon contents than soils sampled immediately outside the canopy, indicating spatial variation in soil properties associated with the tree canopy. Additionally, variations in pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil texture were observed across different slope positions. To maximize its benefits, targeted management interventions, including appropriate species management and effective pest and disease control, are recommended.