Effects of Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Woody Species Diversity, Structure and Regeneration in Southern Ethiopia

Dessale Wasie,Fantaw Yimer

doi:10.11648/j.wros.20200904.12

Abstract

Land degradation in the form of soil erosion is <i> one of the most serious problems in the worldwide</i>. Physical and biological soil and water conservation measures implemented by various land rehabilitation program is the best option to address this problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated soil and water conservation (SWC) practices on Woody Species Diversity, Structure and Regeneration in Southern Ethiopia. A total of 60 plots (3 land use*4 transect*5 quadrants), measuring 20 m*20 m each, were established along transect line laid for woody vegetation data collection. Woody species diversity in the study sites were determined using the Shannon (H’) and Simpson diversity index through the analysis of species richness and evenness of species. A total of 28 woody species, belonging to 15 families were identified. The diversity, richness, density and basal area of woody species were significantly higher in closure area with SWC (p<0.05) compared to the value in closure area without SWC and open grazing land. The inverted ’J’ shaped distribution of height and DBH exhibited in closure area with SWC, which has more potential to enhance vegetation regeneration. The findings generally confirmed that area closure with SWC practices was highly improved woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status. Accordingly, to improve the biophysical conditions of degraded hillside areas implementing of area closure with integrated SWC practices is a best option.

Highlights

Environmental deterioration has become one of the most serious problems confronting mankind
The highest number of woody species was recorded in closure area with soil and water conservation (SWC) (26), followed by closure area without SWC (17) and open grazing land (7), of these, 6 species were common to all land management units (Table A1)
Sapindaceae and Tiliaceae were the second diverse families represented with 2 species and the rest 11 families were represented with only one tree/shrub species each (Table A1)

Summary

Introduction

Environmental deterioration has become one of the most serious problems confronting mankind Among these problems, land degradation is a serious global environmental problem [1]. The extreme dependence of Ethiopian rural population on natural resources, land, as a means of livelihood makes Ethiopian vulnerable for land resources degradation leading to decline in productivity [3]. This has significant impacts on ecosystem services, crop production, downstream flooding and reservoir sedimentation and economic costs [4]. Area closure with soil and water conservation practices is the best among the various techniques used for rehabilitation of degraded hillside area [6]. Soil conservation practices are an essential part of the system for reducing erosion during critical times of the year, conservation of soil moisture and restoration of vegetation cover [7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion