Early Survival Evaluation of Trees and Shrubs for Their Adaptability Planted Under Moisture Conservation Structures at Hawi Gudina District, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The ever-increasing demand for biomass energy in developing countries like Ethiopia seeks urgent attention. Tree growth depends on genetic potential of the species and environmental conditions. A study was conducted at Hawi Gudina district during 2010-2013 to evaluate early survival of different agroforestry trees/shrubs (Meliaazedarach, Moringaoleifera, Leucaena leucocephala, Grevilia robusta and Sesbania sesban) for their adaptability planted under three different moisture conservation structures. These different trees and shrubs species were planted in randomized complete block design with unequal replications. Unbalanced analysis of variance revealed that the interaction of tree/shrubs survival with planting methods was found insignificant (P>0.05) at 1, 2 and 3 years of age after transplanting. The main effect of moisture conservation structures is also not significant. But highly significant variations among species in survival rate (P<0.01) was recorded at all three years of ages. Among the species tested, Moringaoliefera and Melia azedarach showed superior performance with survival rate of 100% followed by Sesbania sesban with survival rate of 88.9%. Though there was no significant difference in survival rate of trees/shrubs with respect to different planting methods. The mean survival of seedlings planted in half-moon (80%) is higher than in normal pit (73.33%) and trench (60%) three years after establishment. Similarly, species planted in half-moon recorded relatively higher in diameter and height size followed by trench micro catchment. Moringa oliefera, Melia azedarach and Sesbania sesban with half-moon planting method, offers much promise for future use in agroforestry practices in the area and similar agro ecologies.