Abstract
The growth of Maesopsis under the influence of various geomorphic surfaces was followed within a period of 70 months. Young plants of two months old were transplanted into 70 × 70 × 70 cm holes under natural conditions (no inputs such as manure and other amendments). A randomized complete block design was set up for the experiment, alongside a control, and growth parameters followed (height and collar circumference). Three blocks with different geomorphic surfaces were put in place for the experiment (upper slope or block 1, middle slope or block 2 and foot slope or block 3). Results of the experiment indicated that geomorphic surface had a significant effect on height but not on collar circumference. Plant height increased progressively from upper slope to foot slope; less tall trees were found at the upper slope, while the tallest trees were found at the foot slope. After 70 months, maximum average height attained by plants for the experiment was 1228.3 cm, observed in block 3 (foot slope), significant at 0.05 confidence level with respect to geomorphic surface. In blocks 1 and 2 (upper slope and middle slope), maximum average heights attained were 798.5 and 937.5 cm, respectively and were shown to be statistically equal at 0.05 confidence level. Geomorphic surface had no effect on collar circumference. Maximum average collar circumferences attained after 70 months were 62.8 cm (observed at the upper slope), 61.3 cm (observed at the middle slope) and 76.3 cm (observed at the foot slope) and the various collar circumferences were shown to be statistically the same at 0.05 confidence level. For the control, maximum height attained after 70 months was 1240 cm (observed at the foot slope). At the upper slope and middle slope, maximum average heights were respectively, 800 cm and 905 cm, and were statistically equal at the 0.05 confidence level but different from the foot slope value of 1240 cm. Maximum average collar circumference was observed at the foot slope (76.3 cm), while circumferences of 62.8 cm and 61.3 cm were respectively observed at the upper and middle slopes. In the control, collar circumference was shown to be statistically equal at the upper and middle slopes but different from that at the foot slope at 0.05 confidence level. Correlations between growth parameters were more explained for the control than for the experiment. Increasing plant height was associated with decreasing percent slope (at a p-value of 0.05) corresponding to increasing soil depth favoring root exploration and soil and water retention. Profile modification enhanced plant growth and enabled the cultivation of trees on all geomorphic surfaces.
Highlights
Watershed management and protection of degraded environments are posing many challenges in the Western Highlands of Cameroon [1]
Plant height increased progressively from upper slope to foot slope; less tall trees were found at the upper slope, while the tallest trees were found at the foot slope
After 70 months from the time of transplantation, it was observed that the growth of Maesopsis is greatly influenced by geomorphic surface (Table 2)
Summary
Watershed management and protection of degraded environments are posing many challenges in the Western Highlands of Cameroon [1]. Maesopsis eminni (Engl) has a wide range of uses. It is widely used in agroforestry [2] and serves as a biofertilizer [3]. In Bamenda (North West region of Cameroon), the Blue moon watershed is protected with Maesopsis. Many ant species visit the tree for its bark, leaves and fruit juice. M. eminni is widely used in medicine; the root bark is used to treat gonorrhea [9], and serves as a diuretic for ascites [10]. It is used as abortifacient [11]. Maesopsis is used as a diuretic and purgative for “yellow fever” [13]
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