Role of small-scale trees plantation and farmers' attitude and skill toward propagation of indigenous and exotic trees: The case of Sidama, Ethiopia

The tree land cover in Ethiopia is declining due to deforestation, agricultural land expansion, overgrazing, firewood use and construction. Farm tree plantation has a potential to improve tree cover and the country's vision towards reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emission by 2030. This study was conducted in Sidama of Ethiopia to assess the role of small-scale tree plantations, and the attitudes and skills of farmers in propagating and conserving indigenous trees as compared to exotic ones, and to identify major impediments for exotic and indigenous tree plantation. By using stratified random sampling, 149 household heads were selected and interviewed, and the tree plantation practices of 46 randomly selected farmers were observed. Advice and support given to farmers concerning tree plantation and nursery care were collected from 16 Woreda Rural Development Experts. During the study a total of 46 tree species were identified, and 92% of the trees on the farmland were exotic. The percentage composition of the five most dominant tree species were Eucalyptus spp. (79.6%), Cupressus spp (8.5%), Cordia africana (4.8%), Grevillea robusta (3.3%), and Millettia ferruginea (1.8%). The trees provide several direct and indirect socio-economic and ecological importance (construction, fuel, income, medicinal value, fencing, asset for present and next generation, fodder for livestock, garden shade, aesthetic, recreation, spiritual value, improve soil fertility and environmental impact remediation). The majority of farmers prefer exotic trees due to their fast growth, ease of nursery preparation and fast establishment, and higher income generation in shorter period. Though farmers like to plant indigenous trees for their ecological services such as improving soil fertility, producing durable household utensils, shading and other ecological values; land shortage and lack of knowledge on plant biology, nursery preparation and propagation method constrained its plantation. Therefore, introduction of appropriate technologies to the existing farming system is required for sustainable indigenous tree plantation in the study area.

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How Diverse is Tree Planting in the Central Plateau of Burkina Faso? Comparing Small-Scale Restoration with Other Planting Initiatives

Forests ◽

10.3390/f10030227 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 227 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michel Valette ◽

Barbara Vinceti ◽

Daouda Traoré ◽

Alain Touta Traoré ◽

Emma Lucie Yago-Ouattara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Burkina Faso ◽

Land Tenure ◽

Tree Species ◽

Forest Restoration ◽

Tree Planting ◽

Species Selection ◽

Tree Cover ◽

Small Scale ◽

Seed Sources ◽

Tree Seed

In the Sahelian region, different approaches are being used to halt environmental degradation and restore tree cover, with varying degrees of success. Initiatives vary according to projects’ objectives, type of land to restore, and technical practices used (natural regeneration, farmer-managed assisted regeneration, enrichment planting, etc.). This study investigates tree planting choices and selection of tree seed sources in some villages of the Central region of Burkina Faso. The study targeted 96 farmers and compared planting practices adopted by farmers involved in small-scale forest restoration using fences, with those not involved in this initiative. The objective was to understand what portfolio of tree species were planted, what factors influenced tree species selection, what tree seed sources were used, what collection practices were generally adopted, and whether there were significant differences between types of farmers. The results showed that the use of fencing to promote forest restoration support the planting of a more diverse portfolio of tree species than other small scale efforts and includes a greater representation of indigenous trees. Fenced plots have therefore a conservation value in landscapes where the diversity of tree species is progressively declining. In addition to the use of fences, some other key factors affect tree planting, mainly land tenure, availability of diverse tree seed sources, and availability of land. Farmers tend to collect directly most of the planting material they need, but in the majority of cases they do not follow recommended best practices. In light of the ambitious forest restoration targets of Burkina Faso and the need to provide diverse options to rural communities to enhance their resilience vis-à-vis increasing environmental challenges, strengthening the capacity of farmers in tree planting and establishing a robust tree seed systems are crucial targets.

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Agroforestry, Indigenous Tree Cover and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Mount Elgon in Uganda

European Journal of Development Research ◽

10.1057/s41287-021-00446-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Graham ◽

Hanna Julia Ihli ◽

Anja Gassner

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Land ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Sustainable Land Use ◽

Tree Cover ◽

Natural Forests ◽

Coffee Farmers ◽

Multiple Issues ◽

Indigenous Trees ◽

Mount Elgon

AbstractAddressing interconnected social and environmental issues, including poverty, food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, requires integrated solutions. Agroforestry is a sustainable land use approach with the potential to address multiple issues. This study examined the tree cultivation behavior of smallholder farmers in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda. We examined the proportion of indigenous tree species added to or removed from agricultural land and the reasons for farmers’ decisions in this regard. We found that farmers overwhelmingly planted exotic species, limiting the possible benefits for the conservation of biodiversity from a suggested re-greening of the region. Indigenous trees were cultivated in low numbers and dominated by a handful of species. Opportunities to help farmers increase the number and variety of indigenous trees on their land were found among smaller-scale coffee farmers and in the protection of natural forests from which indigenous trees propagate into the wider landscape.

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Role of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merrill for Soil Fertility Improvement in Ethiopia: A Review

International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review ◽

10.20546/ijcrar.2021.901.007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 81-85

Author(s):

Sissay Dessalgn Addisu Wolde

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Alley Cropping ◽

Sesbania Sesban ◽

Faidherbia Albida ◽

Cost Efficient ◽

Perennial Legume ◽

Biological Nitrogen ◽

Soil Fertility Improvement

Most of world’s agricultural land is degrading rapidly, and productions of agricultural crops are declined in Ethiopia due to land degradation and reduction of soil fertility. Growing of fertilizer trees in agricultural lands is timely and cost efficient way to enhance soil fertility parameters. Fertilizer trees are used to improve the condition of soils used for farming. They capture nitrogen from the air and put it in the soil through their roots and falling leaves. Sesbania sesban, Gliricidia, Tephrosia, and Faidherbia albida are known as fertilizer trees. Sesbania sesban is multipurpose fast-growing, perennial legume tree and N-fixing shrub suitable as a soil quality improver. Sesbania sesban can grow as agroforestry component and alley cropping. It provides green manure and its leaves produce rich compost and this maintain soil fertility through Biological nitrogen fixation

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Livelihood Improvement of Farmers through Agroforestry Practices in Teesta and Jamuna River Basins

Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry ◽

10.9734/ajraf/2021/v7i130119 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 10-27

Author(s):

Rebeka Sultana ◽

Md. Shafiqul Bari

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

Management Practices ◽

Technical Assistance ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Mangifera Indica ◽

River Basins ◽

Acacia Auriculiformis ◽

Tree Plantation ◽

Fuel Wood ◽

Agroforestry Practices

Agroforestry is one of the most sustainable land management systems practiced around the world due to the socioeconomic benefits to farmers. In Bangladesh, farmers practice agroforestry, applying indigenous knowledge. The objectives of the study are to explore the dominant agroforestry systems and species preferred by and to assess the socio-economic impact of agroforestry technologies on their livelihoods of farmers of the Char dwellers in Jamuna and Teesta river basins. The study was conducted at four Char Upazillas such as Kazipur, Shariakandi, Kaunia and Dimla. A total 120 farmers were surveyed during the research period using structured questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions. The majority of the respondents (56.67%) having low score in adoption of traditional agroforestry practices. Most of the farmers (94.17%) in Teesta and Jamuna river basins are practicing traditional homestead agroforestry system. The most frequent strategy was boundary tree plantation (44.17%) followed by scattered tree plantation technique on composite planting system, and the alley of cropland. A total of 41 tree species are abundant in Char areas of Teesta and Januna basins. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is widely adaptable in Bangladesh including Char areas followed by Mango (Mangifera indica) in homestead besides, Mahagony (Swietenia mahagoni) is another abundant species planted in croplands boundaries of Char areas along with Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis). The farmers mentioned different problems they were facing in practicing agroforestry but ‘shade cast by trees’ was the major problem. Majority farmers of Char areas plant trees in homestead for fruits (63.33%) and in cropland for fuel wood (95.83%) and timber production (82.50%). Farmers’ livelihoods improved enormously by practicing agroforestry as they have more access to food, fodder and fuel wood which is reflected by greater access to livelihood capitals except social capital. However, the farmers have experienced increased incidences of pests and diseases to annual crops and trees. Agroforestry practices increases species diversity, ensure economic return and sustain farmers’ livelihoods. The respondents, local leaders and experts suggested the constrains of adopting agroforestry in Char areas are lack of awareness, education, technical skills, capital, technical assistance, interest, marketing and transportation facilities at the study areas . The government should initiate some agroforestry focused projects, especially in the Char areas for the capacity building of the farmers and equip them with the new farming techniques through trainings and orientation workshops. The farmers should be provided scientific guidance about suitable tree species grown on agricultural land with field crops, their silvicultural operations and tree management practices along with free services and inputs including seeds, seedlings and loan schemes for promoting agroforestry.

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Soil Physical Properties Enhancement Via Native Tree Species in Northern Ethiopia

JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE ◽

10.24297/jaa.v10i0.8203 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 1680-1691

Author(s):

Kassaye Gurebiyaw Legese ◽

Abay Gelanew ◽

Melese Alemu

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Tree Species ◽

Soil Physical Properties ◽

Control Group ◽

Fertility Level ◽

Indigenous Tree Species ◽

Indigenous Trees ◽

Cordia Africana

Dozens of chemical fertilizer is produced in factors to maintain and reclaim soil fertility, but the reliance on artificial fertilizer alone is not advisable due to environmental pollution. . Thus, indigenous plant species can maintain soil fertility without any extra cost. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of indigenous tree species on soil physical properties. Three dominant indigenous trees species (Croton macrostachuys, Cordia Africana and Albizia gummifera) were considered. Soil samples were taken from different sampling points under crown of these tree species (mid of crown and edge of crown). One sampling point is included by far 30m from the selected tree as a control group. Soil sample was taken by using core sampler. Soil physical properties such as texture, structure, porosity, bulk density and moisture content were analyzed. Bulk density was determined as 0.73g/cm3, 0.75g/cm3 and 0.8g/cm3 for Albizzia gummifera, Croton macrostachuys and Cordia Africana respectively. Bulk density was very small under crown of all trees as influenced by the amount of organic matter falling from trees leaf. The texture under crown of all tree species (silty loam, loam and loamy sand) is quite better for agriculture purpose than control point. Soil color under crown is in the range of brown to black color, which indicates high fertility level. Soil porosity was very high under the crown of all tree species as compared to the control site. It is determined as 72.5%, 71.6%, and 69.7% for Albizzia gummifera, Croton macrostachuys and Cordia Africana respectively. Soil consistence, porosity and moisture content were better under crown of the trees than control group. Soil properties under the crown of indigenous tree species were better than bare land soils. Therefore, indigenous trees are promising option to maintain soil fertility level and land owners ought to be aware of this miracle.

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Role of Tree Species in Determining Soil Fertility

Forest Condition in a Changing Environment - Forestry Sciences ◽

10.1007/978-94-015-9373-1_35 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 289-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Outi Priha ◽

Aino Smolander

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Tree Species

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The importance and morphobiology of the povlovnia tree

Proceedings of the ICECRS ◽

10.21070/icecrs.v3i0.270 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Zakirjan Tojiboyevich Bustonov

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

New Technologies ◽

Normal Growth ◽

Ornamental Plant ◽

Timber Supply ◽

Exotic Trees ◽

Full Support ◽

Innovation Activities ◽

Qualitative Changes

It is well known that the findings of scientists in the field of forestry, as well as the introduction of new technologies in production are of great importance. In particular, it is necessary to scientifically substantiate the normal growth and adaptation of new plant species. In addition, the role of trees in the prosperity of every person is unparalleled. This valuable tribute to treasure plays an important role in the economy of the economy, growing and increasing new types of trees and discovering their characteristics. Exemplary exotic trees in cities and villages, qualitative changes in timber supply and research by scientists in this field are clear evidence of the full support of innovation activities under the leadership of the President. Pavlovnia-Pavlovnia is part of the decorative tree species. There are 10 types of plants that are mainly grown in the east. Uzbekistan grows as an ornamental plant. The height of the neck is 12–20 meters, in the fall the normal edges of the leaf are scattered, and the bark opens until the leaf is released. The fruit is a large deciduous worm, the seeds are small, the light is soft. Povlovny made of pepper, roots and seeds.

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Potential role of sacred grove of Lumbini in biodiversity conservation in Nepal

Banko Janakari ◽

10.3126/banko.v18i1.2163 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 25-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Khem Raj Bhattarai ◽

Sushim R Baral

Keyword(s):

Biodiversity Conservation ◽

Tree Species ◽

Potential Role ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Sacred Grove ◽

Indigenous Species ◽

Indigenous Trees ◽

Acacia Catechu ◽

Total Tree

This study was conducted in the sacred grove of Lumbini to elucidate its potential role in biodiversity conservation in Nepal. Lumbini Development Trust enumerated tree species of the grove. We have assessed taxonomic validity by identifying the species. A total of 65 tree species, 39 are indigenous to Nepal, were found in the grove. Most of the species were tropical/subtropical elements that are found to be distributed in Nepal from 100 to 2400m asl. Among total indigenous trees, 64 % trees have their distribution in the whole Nepal, whereas 19 %, 14 % and 3 % are limited to central, eastern, and both central and western part of Nepal respectively. The indigenous species found in the grove accounts for 11 % of total tree diversity of Nepal. Of these tree species, five are of threatened, vulnerable and endangered categories. The forest formation of the grove conforms to Dalbergia sisoo-Acacia catechu type's forest of Nepal. However, majority of the trees in the grove were produced by plantation so it has contributed to ex-situ conservation of trees, and hence this reflects the importance of sacred grove. Key words: conservation, distribution, indigenous trees, Lumbini, Sacred grove, sacred plants, tree species. doi: 10.3126/banko.v18i1.2163 Banko Janakari, Vol. 18, No. 1, 25-31

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“Positive and negative plant-soil feedbacks are caused by mycorrhizal type, soil fertility, and phylogenetic relatedness in a mixed Dipterocarp rain forest”

10.1101/399295 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

R. Max Segnitz ◽

Sabrina E. Russo ◽

Stuart J. Davies ◽

Kabir G. Peay

Keyword(s):

Soil Fertility ◽

Tree Species ◽

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽

Phylogenetic Distance ◽

Plant Population Dynamics ◽

Plant Soil ◽

Tropical Diversity ◽

Subsequent Revision ◽

High Diversity

AbstractWhile work in temperate forests suggests that there may be consistent differences in plant-soil feedback (PSF) between plants with arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal associations, it is unclear whether this is compatible with the high diversity of tropical rainforests. To examine this, we tested the effect of mycorrhizal type, phylogenetic distance, and soil fertility on variation in PSF strength in a mixed-tropical rainforest with a uniquely high diversity of ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal trees. We found positive phylogenetic PSFs for ectomycorrhizal tree species that were insensitive to soil fertility. By contrast, PSFs for arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species were negative, and increasingly so with greater soil fertility. Our results demonstrate consistent effects of mycorrhizal types on plant population dynamics across biomes, and help explain biogeographic variation across tropical forests, such as familial dominance of the Dipterocarpaceae in SE Asia. However, they also raise questions about the role of PSFs in maintaining tropical diversity.Statement of authorshipRMS, SER, SJD and KGP designed the experiment. RMS conducted the experiment and collected data. RMS analyzed data with input from KGP and SER. RMS wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and all authors contributed to subsequent revision and preparation of the manuscript.

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