Determinants of survival and growth of tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) in the crop-livestock farming systems of the Ethiopian highlands

Mekonnen, Kindu; Jogo, W.; Bezabih, Melkamu; Mulema, Annet A.; Thorne, P.J.

doi:10.1007/s10457-016-0066-1

Cited by 14 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…The multi-purpose plant, tree lucerne, is a good SLM element both for structural support and higher biomass production (Asmare and Gure 2019). Tree lucerne is a perennial plant that adapts well in a cool climate and sloped landscapes (vulnerable to soil erosion); it provides protein-rich fodder for livestock (Rajan et al 2019), and it enhances soil fertility and livestock productivity (Mekonnen et al 2017). In addition, availability of soil moisture is important to improve biodiversity and increase elasticity of plant growth, which further enhances the carbon sequestration capacity of plants (Nyssen et al 2008;Wubet et al 2013;Hishe et al 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other deriving factors for expanding eucalyptus plantation in the treated sub-watershed than the untreated one might be low crop productivity of the treated subwatershed due to (a) space competition by the conservation structures (Adimassu et al 2017;Dabi et al 2017), (b) high weed infestation due to prohibited free grazing which could reduce weed seeds from subsequent germination, and (c) rodent infestation due to hiding structures. Therefore, it is necessary to create strong awareness to the community regarding the management aspects of tree lucerne for its best performance and utilization (Mekonnen et al 2017). Tree lucerne is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can be plated in combination with crops and grass in contrast to the highly dominant eucalyptus tree.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sustainable land management interventions lead to carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil in a mixed crop-livestock system: the case of Geda watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia

et al. 2020

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Background: Sustainable land management interventions were introduced in Geda watershed in 2012 to reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase plant-carbon inputs into the soil. This study explored the impact of the interventions on biomass production, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration. Stratified sampling was employed in the main and the dry seasons in the treated and untreated sub-watersheds that are found adjacent to each other. Above-and below-ground plant biomass, soil bulk density and organic carbon in 0-15-and 15-30-cm depths, and soil moisture content in 0-20-and 20-40-cm depths were collected from the crop, grazing, and tree lucerne plots. All analyses were performed based on standard procedures. Results: Plant biomass production, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration varied highly significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among sub-watersheds, landscape positions, and land uses. Higher mean values were observed for treated subwatershed, lower landscape position, and tree lucerne plot. The higher mean values in the lower landscape position of the treated sub-watershed were due to tree lucerne plantation. Similarly, topsoil (0-15 cm) carbon stock was statistically higher (P ≤ 0.001) in the treated sub-watershed and at tree lucerne plot (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, carbon stock by sub-surface soil (15-30 cm) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) in the treated sub-watershed under crop and grazing lands but the higher value was in cropland and in the upper position. This could be due to the decomposition of organic materials from biomasses of crops and biological supporting measures (tree lucerne and Phalaris) facilitated by tillage. Six years of sustainable land management interventions led to the sequestration of 12.25, 7.77, and 13.5 Mg C ha −1 under cropland, tree lucerne, and grazing plots, respectively. Conclusion: Sustainable land management interventions revealed auspicious ecological impacts in Geda watershed in terms of improving plant biomass production, carbon stock, and correspondingly capturing higher carbon dioxide equivalent taking untreated sub-watershed as a baseline. Prohibition of free grazing was the key element of the intervention to reduce biomass export and increase carbon sequestration in the treated sub-watershed. Thus, sustaining tree lucerne plants as a conservation measure and the prohibition of free grazing practices are principally essential.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable land management interventions lead to carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil in a mixed crop-livestock system: the case of Geda watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia

et al. 2020

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“…These results demonstrated that while grazing calendar would not influence the regeneration success, grazing height would play a role in determining the establishment success. In a different context, Mekonnen et al (2019) evaluated the survival and growth of leguminous trees introduced in mixed crop-livestock systems in Ethiopia for soil fertility improvement. Farmers from four sites taking part in a local development project, Africa RISING, were given 50 Lucerne seedlings each to plant at different location of their farm.…”

Section: Challenges In Designing and Developing Silvopasturementioning

confidence: 99%

Silvopasture: a sustainable livestock production system

2019

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Silvopasture, as an integrated land use practice that combines trees, forage and livestock, has been in existence for millennia. There are many variants of this land use in both the temperate and tropical regions of the world practiced at small and large scales. Modern silvopasture; however, is not just a new name for an old practice. It is rooted in sound ecological principles and demands skills in managing complexity. Scientific evidence of the ecological and economic benefits of silvopasture has been accumulating rapidly over the last few years and hence the objective of this thematic issue was to bring together a collection of original research and review articles that dealt with these different dimensions. There are 28 articles included in this thematic issue categorized into four groups based on their primary focus, (1) forage production and quality (2) livestock performance (3) environmental benefits, and (4) challenges in designing and developing silvopasture. The information presented has deepened our understanding of some of the biophysical and socioeconomic dimensions of silvopastoral systems; however, it also has revealed some of the research gaps. Addressing these research gaps will help improve not only the economic and environmental sustainability of these systems, but their social acceptability as well.

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“…The Tree Lucerne (Cytisus proliferus) is native to the Canary Islands [1]. In this day and age, it is adapting well to the rest of the world in Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Africa, and in East Africa including in Ethiopia [2][3][4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Farmers' share is still not enough; there is no clear information on the use of technologies, as well as the use and management of species [4]. Although the tree Lucerne is mainly used to rehabilitate the degraded ecosystems and to animal fodder, and the plant is important for energy, paper; textiles, chemical products, industry and trade, and some studies indicate that there are currently significant limitations in East Africa, including Ethiopia [2,11,12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecological, Commercial and Economic Significance of the Tree Lucerne: A Review

Habtemariam

2021

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci.

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Currently, the Lucerne tree is becoming well-established and adapted in many parts of the world. It can be grow in and around apple trees, near Rahminus prinoides, and within the vegetables. According to African Rising Stations project on Tree Lucerne, line planting, cutting, periodic pruning, and reduce the height by 1.5 m is that the simplest caring mechanism. It has also been shown that this care can result in a 20% increase in DM production on grazing alone. It store about 6 tonnes CO2 equivalent per hectare per year and highest N-fixer among legume, it fixes about 590 kg of N2 per year per hectare. It is mainly used for animal husbandry, treat degraded ecosystems and to have good nutrients. Beyond the nutrients, it is an alternative food guarantee as it can withstand drought and stay green during the summer, especially when there is a shortage of food. Lucerne tree is used as a raw material for pulp and paper work as a group of eucalyptus, holocellulose, lingin, xylan and acetyl groups. However, in addition to fodder, there are significant limitations on energy, paper, tissue and chemical use. The leftovers should be converted into useful products. Therefore, these plants should be used for good quality of wood trim for grain and paperwork.

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Determinants of survival and growth of tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) in the crop-livestock farming systems of the Ethiopian highlands

Cited by 14 publications

References 23 publications

Sustainable land management interventions lead to carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil in a mixed crop-livestock system: the case of Geda watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia

Sustainable land management interventions lead to carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil in a mixed crop-livestock system: the case of Geda watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia

Silvopasture: a sustainable livestock production system

Ecological, Commercial and Economic Significance of the Tree Lucerne: A Review

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