Evaluation of selected multipurpose tree species and moisture conservation structures for degraded dryland rehabilitation in Dugda Dawa District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Land degradation affecting the livelihoods of people living in dryland areas, particularly the Sub-Saharan Africa countries like Ethiopia. Degraded land rehabilitation in dryland is a challenging task due to moisture limitation. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil and water conservation structures on growth of planted tree and rehabilitation of indigenous plant species in West Guji Zone, Dugda Dawa District. Four multipurpose tree species (MPTs) namely Faidherbia albida, Melia azedarach, Moringa stenopetala, and Sesbania sesban were planted in four soil and moisture conservation structures (soil level bund, half-moon, trench and normal pit). Data of survival rate, height and diameter growth of planted tree species and, diversity and species richness of indigenous plant species were collected. The survival rate of all planted MPTs species were declining along the study years; however, the survival rate was better under soil level bund and half-moon. Under control treatments, all planted MPTs died at the end of the study period. The height and stem diameter of F. albida, M. azedarach and M. stenopetala were best in soil level bund and half-moon and followed by the trench. Whereas, the growth performance of Sesbania sesban was not significantly different among the three moisture conservation structures. Furthermore, soil moisture conservation structures significantly increased the indigenous plant species regeneration after the intervention. The mean indigenous plant species diversity and richness were significantly highest in half-moon and soil level bund followed by trench and, lowest in Control (normal pit). Thus, the results a potential for alternative forest and soil restoration in arid areas.

Effects of rangeland based integrated soil and water conservation practices on herbaceous species regeneration, diversity, biomass and growth of planted tree species in Haro-Bake Sub-Watershed, Yaballo District, and Southern Ethiopia

“…Micro-moisture conservation structures in general have a significant contribution to plant survival and growth in the study area. This finding is in line with other studies that indicated that seedlings grown on moisture harvesting structures were significantly thicker, taller, and had higher survival rates than those grown on the normal pits (Mamo et al, 2016;Tadele et al, 2018;Gebru et al, 2019;Kelil et al, 2021).…”

“…This study showed that moisture conservation structures significantly affected the survival rate and growth of planted tree species. The results agree with different studies which showed the survival rate of different multipurpose tree species seedlings planted using moisture conservation structures were best than tree seedlings planted in normal pits (Mamo et al, 2016;Tadele et al, 2018;Kelil et al, 2021).…”

Response of the growth and survival of tree species planted in a degraded land with a supplement of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer

“…Different studies showed that low soil nutrients significantly impair the survival of species (Hau & Corlett, 2003; Holl et al, 2000; O'skarsson et al, 2006; Rose et al, 2016; Sloan & Jacobs, 2013; Valdecantos et al, 2006). Kelil et al (2021) also found the survival percentages of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., Melia azedarach L., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., and Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.…”

Review on Factors Affecting Early Survival of Tree /Shrub Seedlings and it’s Remedy in Restoration Sites of Ethiopia

“…Moreover, the survival rate of Faidherbia albida (F. albida), Melia azedarach (M. azedarach), Moringa stenopetala (M. stenopetala), and S. sesban species has declined over the past five years in the case of Dugda Dawa District, southern Ethiopia. The better survival rate of these species is reported under soil-level bunds and half moons, while all these species planted under normal pits died after four years (Siraj et al, 2021). Since trees and shrubs, which are used to restore the badlands, did not or poorly survive in the dry season in the subhumid tropics (Talema et al, 2019).…”

“…Research done by Bayen et al (2020), indicates that Senegalia species are suitable for planting in degraded land in semiarid areas in half-moon because the soil moisture content significantly increased from the top to the bottom than in standard plantations and zaı¨ in the case of Burkina Faso. According to Siraj et al (2021), half-moon and soil-level bund in-situ water harvesting structures are also specified as a potential approach for alternative forest and soil restoration in arid areas of Ethiopia. From a slope perspective, Demisachew et al (2018), states that almost all in-situ structures play a crucial role on flat land rather than in the middle and upper parts (Table 2).…”