Growth Performance of Some Multipurpose Tree Species Around the Homesteads in Gimbo District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of some exotic (Sesbania sesban, Leucaena leucocephala, Grevillea robusta, Azadirachta indica, and Casuarina equisetifolia) and indigenous (Cordia africana, Millettia ferruginea, Albizia gummifera, Moringa stenopetala and Prunus africanus) tree species at the backyard and boundary of homegardens in Gimbo district, South west Ethiopia. The seedlings were produced in a nursery, transplanted around the homesteads and have been studied for three years. The saplings were monitored for survival rates and growth performances by measuring root collar diameters and heights. There was significant difference in survival among the species investigated (P<0.05). Survival percent were varies from 24.8 to 86.5 across the species. The highest survival rate was recorded for C. africana and followed by G. robusta and S. sesban at the third year of experimentation. Significant differences in height growth (P<0.05) and diameter growth were also observed. Among tree species planted at the backyard of homegardens, S. sesban performed best in terms of mean height and root collar diameter followed by C. africana. M. ferruginea showed the lowest main height. Among tree species investigated at the boundary of homegardens, G. robusta showed the highest growth in height, followed by M. stenopetala. Mean root collar diameter was highest for M. stenopetala, followed by G. robusta. A. indica showed the lowest mean root collar diameter. It was concluded that promising exotic and indigenous tree species could be used for diversification of agroforestry home gardens.