Screening of tree seedling survival rate under field condition in Tanqua Abergelle and Weri-Leke Weredas, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Rehabilitation of degraded lands through plantations is at the frontline of natural resource management in Ethiopia. However, plantations have been faced with various challenges mainly attributed to poor survival rate of tree seedlings. Hence, this research was conducted in Tanqua 'Abergelle and Weri Leke Wereda's with the objective of screening tree seedlings for their survival rates under field conditions. Tree seedlings that were mostly produced in nurseries of the Woredas were first identified and analyzed. One watershed from Tanqua Abergelle and two watersheds from Weri Leke were selected to undertake further plantation trials. Pits were prepared one month ahead of plantation. The collected data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Accordingly, almost all seedlings reduced their number at each sequence of inventory periods. The growth of Moringa stenopetala and Eucalyptus camaldulensis were better than the others in Weri-Leke. Eucalyptus camaldulensis recorded the highest growth performance (60.4 cm) followed by Acacia lehay (46.3 cm) in Weri Leke. The seedlings of Moringa stenopetala, Leucaena leucocephala and Faidherbia albida revealed relatively lower survival rates in Abergelle. However, Ziziphus spina Christ (L.) Desf., Acacia tortilis and Parkinsonia aculeata showed higher survival rates (>80%). Moringa stenopetala and Casuarina equisitifolia showed the lowest survival rates (<40%) in Weri-Leke. On the other hand, A. lehay, Gravillea robusta and Eucalyptus camaldulensis revealed better survival rates (c. 60%). Even if further research is still required, tree species that survive > 50% should be considered for plantations in the study areas, and improved post-planting attention and management.

Evaluating Biophysical Conservation Practices with Dynamic Land Use and Land Cover in the Highlands of Ethiopia

“…This suggests that the area that the forest covers is expanding faster than before. However, as indicated in Figure 3, the rate of plantation is decreasing gradually, and the land cover expansion was not found as expected due to poor survival rate of seedlings, prolonged dry season, water scarcity, and unsustainable management of plantations [23][24][25]. Forest cover increased in some areas after watershed management programs launched in 2011 along with the establishment of eucalyptus plantations [26].…”

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

“…For example, Amha et al (2020), revealed that the survival rates of all tree and shrub species decreased considerably over time due to extended dry seasons and termite incidence in severely degraded landscapes in the west Showa Zone of Oromiya regional state, central Highlands of Ethiopia. Likewise, Gebrekidan et al (2020), showed that a reduced seedling survival rate from the first to the next inventory (within four months) was observed in Tanqua, Abergelle, and Weri-Leke districts, Tigray, Ethiopia, which may be attributed to poor management (animal trampling and browsing), moisture stress, and termites. A decreased survival rate of Prunus africana seedlings (from the 1 st to the 5 th year after plantation) was also documented over time in the Ethiopian highlands (Abraham, 2018).…”

“…Moreover, Preece et al (2023), pointed out that lack of watering seedlings or saplings immediately prior to planting, careless planting in the wrong pit condition, and weed suppression are critical factors that affect plant survival rates in the tropics. For example, the poor survival rate is a common problem, particularly in dry areas of Ethiopia (Gebrekidan et al, 2020) and the Sekota district, northeastern Amhara, Ethiopia (Eshetie et al, 2020). A poor seedling survival rate of less than five percent is also observed in some micro-watersheds in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Regional State (SNNPR) of Ethiopia (Wolancho, 2015).…”

Site Suitability, Early Survival, and Growth Performance of Five Indigenous Tree Species to Integrate in Urban Green Space of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The survival rate of planted seedlings has proven to be the most important key indicator of the success of forestry activities (Sullivan et al 2009). In addition, inappropriate species selection in afforestation or restoration is the cause of the low survival rate of seedlings (Abrha et al 2020). Information on suitability and patterns of species distribution is crucial for developing future conservation plans (Elith et al 2011).…”