Gum Arabic Production and Population Status of Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton in Dryland Forests in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton is a multi-purpose dryland tree species that produces gum arabic, a commercially valuable product. However, this resource is underused in Ethiopian dryland areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population status and potential gum yield of S. senegal growing in natural stands in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. Forty-five sample plots, each measuring 20 × 20 m, were established at 500 m intervals along transects, with 1 m2 subplots located within the main plots to determine regeneration. S. senegal trees with a diameter at breast height of between 2 and 12 cm were most prevalent. Forty-two tree species were associated with S. senegal, of which 16 were gum- and resin-producing species. S. senegal was positively associated with Vachellia tortilis, Senegalia mellifera, Vachellia nilotica, Commiphora edulis, and Dobera glabra. Senegalia senegal comprised approximately 35% of regenerating trees. The maximum gum arabic yield obtained was 3948 g tree−1. Linear models of dendrometric variables indicated that gum arabic yield is better predicted by tree diameter than by height. Despite the limitations of this pioneer survey, the population status and yield potential suggest that gum arabic could be sustainably produced and commercialized in natural stands of S. senegal in the studied dryland areas, providing local communities with supplementary seasonal incomes.

Allometric equation for estimating aboveground biomass of Acacia-Commiphora forest, southern Ethiopia

“…Bena-Tsemay district is located between 5.11°-5.70° N (Fig. 1) and 36.20°-37.04° E, with average temperatures ranging from 10.1°C to 27.5°C and a mean annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 1,600 mm (Zeleke et al 2021). The study area experiences two distinct periods of rain, known as bimodal rainfall.…”

“…The second season occurs from mid-October to the beginning of November, and is important for the production of pasture. The study area is 500-2,000 m above sea level (Zeleke et al 2021).…”

General allometric equation for estimating aboveground biomass of Acacia-Commiphora forest, southern Ethiopia

“…Acacia-Commiphora forest vegetation is found in the northern, eastern, central, and southern parts of Ethiopia and consists of drought-resistant trees and shrubs with evergreen or deciduous leaves, mainly in sandy soils (Friis et al, 2010). Bena Tsemay district is located between 5.11°-5.70° N and 36.20°-37.04°E , with average temperatures ranging from 10.1°C to 27.5°C and a mean annual rainfall ranging from 400 to 1600 mm (Zeleke et al, 2021). The study area experiences two distinct periods of rain, known as bimodal rainfall.…”

“…The rst season occurs from mid-March until the end of April and is crucial for crop growth. The second season occurs from mid-October to the beginning of November, and is important for the production of pasture (Zeleke et al, 2021). The study area is 500-1500 m above sea level (Zeleke et al, 2021).…”

Estimating Ecological Characteristics and Carbon Stock in Uneven-Aged Plantations of <i>Acacia senegal</i> L. in the Savannah Woodlands of Sudan

“…Acacia senegal is an important indigenous multipurpose tree, it is known for the provision of non-wood forest products and many other ecosystem services [12]. Particularly, Gum Arabic has economic benefits in commercial industrial applications and local uses [13] [14] [15]. Accordingly, these are known to play a great role in carbon sequestration, and therefore in climate change mitigation, if they are left intact [16].…”