Calliandra Calothyrsus Research Articles

Proporsi penggunaan berbagai jenis daun tanaman untuk pakan ternak kambing pada lokasi dan ketinggian berbeda di wilayah Malang Raya

This research aims at investigating the proportion of several types of tree foliages leaves as animal feed in different locations and altitudes in Malang Raya. The case study was conducted in five districts of Malang Raya where were assumed as the centre of goat farms. The results showed that there were 30 types of forage used as goat feeds, both leaves of tree foliages and shrubs, or grasses, crop residues and others. Most forages (73%) were leaves of tree foliages and shrubs, both legumes, and non-legumes. Tree foliage leaves were more used as goat feeds in the study area with higher altitude, whereas in the area with lower altitude, farmers also utilized grasses and crop residues. The leaves of tree foliages were Paraserianthes falcataria, Gliricidia sepium, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Leucaena leucocephala and Calliandra calothyrsus . Paraserianthes falcataria was most widely used in Klampok-Singosari (88.3%). The proportion of Calliandra calothyrsus ranged from 32 to 98%, while Gliricidia sepium was 58-98%, both were most widely used in Argoyuwono-Ampelgading. Artocarpus heterophyllus was most widely used in Wajak (90.3%), whereas Leucaena leucocephala leaf was used by all respondents (100%) in Sumberdem-Wonosari. It is necessary to evaluate the quality of these tree foliage leaves to provide a better animal feed through supplementation technology. Keyword : altitudes, foliages, leave, location

Soil texture modulates the response of ammonia-oxidizing prokaryotes to biochemical quality of organic inputs in tropical agricultural soils

Soil texture modulates the response of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) and archaeal (AOA) communities to biochemical quality of organic inputs in tropical agricultural soils. To verify this assumption, we used the soil organic matter long-term field experiments in Kenya established on contrasting soils (i.e., clayey Humic Nitisol, sandy Ferric Alisol) in 2002. Since the start of the experiments, soils were continuously treated (4 Mg C ha−1 year−1) with biochemically different organic inputs including Tithonia diversifolia (TD; C/N ratio: 13, Lignin: 8.9%; Polyphenols: 1.7%), Calliandra calothyrsus (CC; 13; 13; 9.4) and Zea mays stover (ZM; 59; 5.4; 1.2). In 2013, soils (0–15 cm) were sampled at young growth (EC30) and flowering (EC60) stages of maize and subjected to DNA-based community analysis of AOB, AOA and 16S rRNA genes. Soil texture exerted stronger effects on the dynamics of the assayed genes than organic input quality with AOB being more responsive than AOA. Clayey soil with its predominant soil organic matter background and large surface area of clay minerals revealed generally higher AOB and AOA abundance than the sandy soil. In the sandy soil, N-rich TD and cellulose-rich ZM promoted AOB abundance, while it was decreased under CC due to N limitation induced by high contents of polyphenols and lignin. N limitation under ZM revealed a clear community differentiation of AOB between ZM versus TD and CC in the clayey soil. For the sandy soil, AOA community composition was distinct between CC versus TD and ZM. To provide a more detailed mechanistic understanding of active AOB and AOA in response to organic input quality, we recommend for prospective research RNA-based along with enzymatic analyses as complement to those shown in this study. This should be approached using controlled experiments to eliminate interfering environmental effects including rainfall and soil moisture, respectively.

The Effect of Honey Harvesting Time on Kaliandra Plant Area (Calliandra calothyrsus) to The Production, Moisture, Viscosity and Sugar Content

The purposes of this research were to investigate the difference of harvesting time on honey production, viscosity, moisture and sugar content, as well as identifying the best harvesting time.The material used in this research was honey from Calliandra plantation. The method used was experimental design using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 5 replications. The treatment consisted of harvesting time on day 11 P 1 on day 14 P 2 , and on day 17 P 3 . Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA and continued by LSD test. The results showed that the treatments had significantly effect (P<0.01) on honey production, viscosity, water and sugar content. On P 1 , production obtained was 1.59 L/colony/harvest, while 0.72 and 0,26 from P 2 and P 3 , respectively. Moisture of P 1 , P 2 , P 3 respectively were 22.02, 21.00, 19.48 %, respectively. Viscosity obtained was 11.43, 18.56, and 33.67 P. Sugar content were 69.46%, 70.59%, and 71.67%, respectively. In conclusion, viscosity and sugar content of honey will increase when it is harvested on day 17, but decrease when it is harvested on day 11. However, harvesting time on day 11 is the best choice for farmer due to highest production obtained, but inadequate of standard of water content, viscosity, and sugar content.

Dynamics of bacterial and archaeal amoA gene abundance after additions of organic inputs combined with mineral nitrogen to an agricultural soil

Dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) and archaeal (AOA) abundance was assayed in a tropical Humic Nitisol during two cropping seasons of a long-term field experiment situated in the central highlands of Kenya. Since 2002, soils were treated yearly with biochemically contrasting organic inputs (4 Mg C ha−1 year−1) of Tithonia diversifolia (TD; C/N ratio: 13; lignin: 8.9 %; polyphenols: 1.7 %), Calliandra calothyrsus (CC; 13; 13; 9.4) and Zea mays (ZM; 59; 5.4; 1.2) combined with and without 120 kg CaNH4NO3 ha−1 season−1. In 2012 and 2013, soils (0–15 cm) were sampled at young growth (EC30) and flowering (EC60) stages of maize and subjected to DNA-based amoA gene quantification. ZM and TD increased AOB abundance by 9 and 19 %, respectively, compared to CC, while AOA remained unaffected. This was ascribed to high organic N in TD and lower lignin and polyphenol contents in ZM than in CC. In CC, formation of polyphenol-protein complexes limited microbial access to N. Sole use of mineral N or its combination with organic inputs decreased AOA abundance by 35 % but not AOB as a consequence of pH reduction by mineral N. Overall, AOB was more responsive than AOA to input quality that became most pronounced under optimal soil moisture conditions found in 2013 and at EC60 in 2012. We recommend prolonged study periods, considering also rRNA-based analyses to explore the dynamics of active nitrifying communities as a consequence of interrelations of contrasting organic inputs, crop growth stages and seasonality in agricultural soils.

Supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus improves nitrogen retention in cattle fed low-protein diets

Ruminant productivity in the tropical Africa has remained low despite decades of research on animal nutrition and introduction of new breeds of animals mainly because of low-quality feeds available, especially during the dry season that is inefficiently utilised. This results in prolonged time for animals to mature and increased nutrient excretion to the environment. We conducted a study using yearling steers (n = 12, liveweight (LW) = 161.8 ± 10.89 kg) in a 3 × 3 Latin square to evaluate the effect of protein supplementation and supplementation frequency on intake, digestibility, nitrogen (N) retention and microbial N supply in cattle consuming low-protein diets. The steers were maintained on ad libitum wheat straw (DM = 877 ± 5 g/kg, crude protein (CP) = 20.0 ± 1.1 g/kg), with supplemental protein supplied as air-dried Calliandra calothyrsus leaves (DM = 897 ± 3 g/kg, CP = 257.5 ± 4.1 g/kg on a DM basis). Samples of basal diet, supplement, refusals, faecal matter and urine were collected and analysed per treatment. Supplementation increased intakes by the steers (P &lt; 0.001), with no difference between the two supplementation frequencies (P &gt; 0.404). Steers lost bodyweight (P &lt; 0.05) on all treatments, but less so when supplemented. Nitrogen losses was reduced (P &lt; 0.001) with supplementation (–33.3% vs 15.7%, s.e.m. 0.06). The increased N balance in animals receiving supplemented diets indicated that N retention actually improves with increased protein supplementation in animals fed low-protein diets, implying that improving protein supply to animals fed submaintenance diets will not only ameliorate production losses, but will actually decrease non-enteric greenhouse gas production and environmental N losses per animal product unit obtained.

YIELD AND NITROGEN RECOVERY OF RAPE (BRASSICA NAPUS L.) IN RESPONSE TO APPLICATION OF LEGUMINOUS LEAF LITTER AND SUPPLEMENTAL INORGANIC NITROGEN

SUMMARYThe short term nutrient supply of Leucaena leucocephala, Calliandra calothyrsus, Acacia angustissima and Acacia karoo prunings with or without supplemental inorganic nitrogen were tested using rape (Brassica napus L.) in a field trial. Prunings were applied at a rate of 5 t ha−1 to soil, alone or with supplemental N at 37.5 kg N ha−1 (¼ of recommended N). The respective decomposition and N release constants of the prunings were 9.15 and 9.70% for L. leucocephala; 6.15 and 6.40 for A. angustissima; 4.50 and 4.90 for C. calothyrsus; and 2.20 and 2.10 for A. karoo. These constants were best described by the (lignin+polyphenol)-to-nitrogen ratio of the prunings. Total biomass over the two seasons ranged from 1.40 to 17.28 t DM ha−1 and total growth rates ranged from 2.34–26.70 g plant−1 week−1. The cumulative N recovery at week 9 ranged from 21.1–66.1 %. Legume tree leaves can be used as a source of N for vegetable production. Farmers who use high tannin leaf litter are recommended to supplement with mineral N in order to assure adequate N availability during plant growth.

Response of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea to biochemical quality of organic inputs combined with mineral nitrogen fertilizer in an arable soil

There exists a considerable knowledge gap about the effect of biochemical quality of organic inputs and their combination with inorganic N on abundance and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB). Here, we investigated in a Humic Nitisol of 10-year old field experiment in Kenya the effect of contrasting organic inputs (i.e., Tithonia diversifolia (TD; C/N ratio: 13, Lignin: 8.9%; Polyphenols: 1.7%), Calliandra calothyrsus (CC; 13; 13; 9.4) and Zea mays (ZM; 59; 5.4; 1.2); rate of 4MgCha−1year−1) combined with mineral N fertilizer (120kg CaNH4NO3ha−1 growing season−1) on amoA gene-based abundance (i.e., functional potential) and community composition of AOB and AOA. AOB abundance was significantly lower in CC and ZM compared to TD, whereas AOA abundance was significantly lower in CC compared to ZM and TD. This reduction was attributed to a considerable N stress induced by limited organic N availability in ZM and polyphenol-protein complexes in CC. High abundance of AOA under ZM was attributed to their affinity to ammonium under N limiting conditions. Abundance shifts matched observed community composition differences between TD versus ZM (AOB) as well as TD versus ZM and CC (AOA). Mineral N irrespective of organic input type depressed abundance of AOA, but not AOB. This implied utilization of ammonium from fertilizer and organic N by AOB, while AOA mainly utilized ammonium from organic N. Our findings suggested input type dependent effects on AOB/AOA abundance and community composition, but influence of other factors such as soil type, seasonality and crop growth stages remain uncertain. These factors should not only be studied on basis of the functional potential of ammonia oxidizing prokaryotes as given in this study, but also by rRNA analyses to capture the active proportion of existent AOB and AOA.

Determination of the Nutritive Value of Sugar Cane Tops, Mulberry Leaves (M. Alba) and Calliandra (C. Calothyrsus) as Feed Supplements for Goats in Kenya

A study to determine the nutritive value of fresh sugarcane tops (SCT), ensiled sugarcane tops, Mulberry (Morus Alba) and Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) in dairy goats’ diets was conducted using proximate analysis. The digestibility of the feeds was also determined using in Sacco degradation and in vitro gas production. Dry matter (DM) ranged between 93.96% – 96.37% whereby fresh SCT had the highest DM while SCT silage had the lowest DM. Crude protein (CP) ranged between 4.71% - 20.60%. The legumes had higher CP contents than the SCT. Calliandra calothyrsus had the highest CP of 20.60% and was followed by Mulberry which had 19.35%. Fresh sugarcane tops had the lowest CP of 4.71%. Mulberry leaves had the highest ash content (15.36%) while Calliandra had the lowest value (1.5%). SCT silage had a higher value (8.15%) than fresh SCT (6.94%). Mulberry leaves had the lowest NDF content (46%) while fresh SCT had the highest NDF content (87%). Likewise, Mulberry had the lowest ADF content (40%) while Calliandra had the highest ADF content (53%). Fresh SCT also had the highest CF content (41%) while Mulberry had the lowest CF content (11.51%). When comparing the forage legumes, Calliandra had a higher CF content (19.67%) than Mulberry. Mulberry had the highest potential and effective degradability of 91% and 64% respectively. Fresh SCT and SCT silage followed with potential degradabilities of 81% and 73% respectively and effective degradability of 31.2% and 28% respectively. Calliandra had the lowest potential and effective degradability of 33.9% and 17.9% respectively. It was concluded that Mulberry leaves have a high potential as a protein supplement for goats.

Methane Mitigation and Microbial Diversity of Silage Diets Containing Calliandra calothyrsus in a Rumen in Vitro Fermentation System

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of silage based diets on methane (CH4) mitigation and microbial diversity in a rumen in vitro fermentation. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. The dietary treatments consisted of varying levels of silage containing 50% Calliandra calothyrsus as follows K; 100% concentrate + pure tannic acid of 1 mg/mL, R1; 25% silage + 75% concentrate, R2; 50% silage + 50% concentrate, R3; 75% silage + 25% concentrate, and R4; 100% silage. The fermentation variables measured were total gas, CH4, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), VFAs, pH, N-NH3, number of protozoa, and microbial diversity analysis. Increasing level of silages reduced total gas production, CH4 concentration, IVOMD, index of bacterial diversity, protozoal number, total methanogens and Methanobacteriales population. Diet with 25% to 50% silage decreased CH4 concentration, total gas production and IVOMD by 11.43%, 24.92%, and 18.73%, respectively. Ammonia N and VFAs (except butyrate and valerate) were significantly reduced (P

Effect of Hydrothermal Explosion Pretreatment on the Composition and Structure of Calliandra Calothyrsus Shrub – a Lignocellulosic Biomass

Biomass has been pretreated by hydrothermal explosion using different experimental conditions of temperature between 135 and 173°C and operating time of 45 minutes. The effects of hydrothermal explosion conditions have been investigated by measuring chemical compositions (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin) in Calliandra calothyrsus. Hydrothermal explosion pretreatment removes the major part of the hemicelluloses, and makes the high cellulose in the solid material for further enzyme hydrolysis. At severity factor of (log Ro) 3.82 (173oC, 7.5 bar, 45 min), the biomass fibers contained the significant lowest hemicelluloses and the highest of celluloses at 4.82 % DW and 58.26 % DW, respectively. Since Calliandra calothyrsus has higher lignin content, lignin structure might be resisting hemicelluloses degradation by hydrothermal explosion pretreatment. Therefore, hydrothermal explosion of lignocellulosic materials to remove hemicelluloses might significantly enhance the efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis.

Fuel efficiency improvement of a dual-fuel engine fuelled with Honge oil methyl ester (HOME)–bioethanol and producer gas

Renewable and alternative fuels have numerous advantages compared with fossil fuels as they are renewable and biodegradable and provide food and energy security and foreign exchange savings besides addressing environmental concerns and socio-economic issues (Yaliwal et al. 2013. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, doi:10.1080/19397038.2013.801530. Zhu et al. 2011a, Applied Thermal Engineering 31 (14–15): 2271–2278; Zhu et al. 2011b, Fuel 90: 1743-1750; Banapurmath, Tewari, and Hosmath 2008, Renewable Energy 33: 2007-2018; Banapurmath 2009, “Performance, Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Single Cylinder Direct Injection CI Engine Operated on Dual Fuel Mode Using Honge Oil and Producer Gas.” PhD thesis, 1–195; Banapurmath et al. 2011, Waste and Biomass Valorization 2: 1–11). In this context, the main objective of the present work is to study methods of biofuel production such as Honge oil methyl ester (HOME) using a conventional transesterification process and bioethanol from the Calliandra calothyrsus shrub using a new pretreatment method known as hydrothermal explosion. Further, experimental investigations were carried out on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection stationary diesel engine operating in a dual-fuel mode using HOME, bioethanol and producer gas combinations to determine its performance, combustion and emission characteristics. The performance of the dual-fuel engine was analyzed at optimized engine conditions. HOME-Bioethanol (BE) blends such as HOME+ 5% bioethanol (BE5), HOME+ 10% bioethanol (BE10) and HOME+ 15% bioethanol (BE15) were prepared by adding bioethanol to HOME (on volume basis) in different proportions ranging from 5 to 15% with an increment of 5%. In this present work, the effect of different BE blends on the performance of producer gas fuelled dual fuel engine was studied. Experimental investigation on dual fuel engine using BE5-Producer gas operation resulted in up to 4–9% increased brake thermal efficiency with decreased hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and marginally increased nitric oxide (NOx) emission levels compared to HOME-Producer gas, BE10-producer gas and BE15-producer gas mode of operation. However, it was observed that, the overall performance of BE-producer gas operation was found to be lower compared to diesel-producer gas operation.

ENHANCING MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY USING ORGANIC INPUTS AND MINERAL FERTILIZER IN CENTRAL KENYA SMALL-HOLD FARMS

SUMMARYDeclining land productivity is a major problem facing smallholder farmers today in Sub-Saharan Africa, and as a result increase in maize grain yield has historically staggered behind yield gains that have been achieved elsewhere in the world. This decline primarily results from reduction in soil fertility caused by continuous cultivation without adequate addition of external nutrient inputs. Improved soil fertility management practices, which combine organic and mineral fertilizer inputs, can enable efficient use of inputs applied, and can increase overall system's productivity. The trials were established at two sites with different soil fertility status to determine the effects of various organic sources (Tithonia diversifolia, Mucuna pruriens, Calliandra calothyrsus and cattle manure) and their combinations with mineral fertilizer on maize grain yield, economic return and soil chemical properties. Drought spells were common during the peak water requirement periods, and during all the seasons most (90%) of the rainfall was received before 50% flowering. In good and poor sites, there was a significant (p &lt; 0.001) effect of season on maize grain yield. Tithonia diversifolia recorded the highest (4.2 t ha−1) average maize grain yield in the poor site, while Calliandra calothyrsus gave the highest (4.8 t ha−1) average maize grain yield in the good site. Maize grain yields were lower in treatments with sole fertilizer compared with treatments that included organic fertilizers. The maize grain yields were higher with sole organics compared with treatments integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers. Soil pH increment was statistically significant in the sole manure treatment in good and poor sites (t-test, p = 0.036 and 0.013), respectively. In the poor site, magnesium increased significantly in the sole manure and manure + 30 kg N ha−1 treatments with t-test p = 0.006 and 0.027, respectively. Soil potassium was significant in the sole manure treatment (t-test, p = 0.03). Generally the economic returns were low, with negative net benefits and benefit cost ratio of less than 1. Inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest net benefit and return to labour (p &lt; 0.001 and &lt;0.01, respectively) in the good site. The treatments that had very high maize grain yields did not lead to improved soil fertility, thus there is need for tradeoffs between yield gains and soil fertility management when selecting agricultural production technologies.

The Spread of Non-native Plant Species Collection of Cibodas Botanical Garden into Mt. Gede Pangrango National Park

The role of botanic garden in spread of non-native plant species has concerned of international worldwide. This study aimed to study the extent of non-native plant species from Cibodas Botanical Garden (CBG) which invades into natural rainforest. A line transect was made edge-to-interior with 1,600 m in distance from CBG boundary. Result showed that distance from CBG was not significant in correlation with non-native tree and treelet density. Furthermore, presence of existing CBGs plant collection was not a single aspect which influenced presence and abundance. Three invasive species possibly was escape from CBG and it showed edge-to-interior in stems density, i.e. Cinchona pubescens, Calliandra calothyrsus and Cestrum aurantiacum. The patterns of non-native species were influenced by presence of ditch across transect, existence of human trail, and the other non-native species did not have general pattern of spread distribution. Overall, botanical gardens should minimize the risk of unintentional introduced plant by perform site-specific risk assessment.

EFFECT OF WATER EXTRACT OF PLANTS CONTAINING TANNIN ON IN VITRO METHAGONESIS AND FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GRASS Pennisetum purpureophoides

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of extract of plants containing tannin on invitro CH4 production, fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability. Six of plant leaves i.e.Gliricidia sepium, Acacia mangium, Leucaena leucocephala, Desmodium intortum, Camellia sinensis,Calliandra calothyrsus and seed of Areca catechu were extracted by using water. Experimentaltreatments consisted of P. purpureophoides (300±5 mg) incubated alone or added with 1.2 mL of plantextracts. The in vitro neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradability was determined using the first stagetechnique of Tilley and Terry. The results showed that total tannin concentration of plant extract rangedfrom 34 to 95 g/kg DM, and was lowest in D. intortum and highest in A. mangium. Methane productionwas significantly (P&lt;0.001) lower with addition of A. mangium, L. leucocephala, A. catechu, C. sinensisand C. calothyrsus extracts compared to control. Total tannin had a close relationship with CH4production (r=-0.79). There was strong correlation between CH4 production and NDF degradability(r=0.61). It was concluded that water extracts of A. mangium, L. leucocephala, A. catechu, C. sinensisand C. calothyrsus have potential to be used as rumen manipulator in order to reduce CH4 production inruminants.

Assessing farmers’ interest in agroforestry in two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Rwanda

Uptake and management of agroforestry technologies differs among farms in Rwanda and needs to be documented as a basis for shaping future research and development programs. The objective of this study was to investigate current agroforestry practices, farmers’ preferences, tree management and perspectives for agroforestry technologies. The study consisted of a combination of a formal survey, a participatory tree testing, farmer evaluation and focus group discussions in the Central Plateau (moderate altitude) and the Buberuka (high altitude) agro-ecological zones. A survey and a tree testing exercise with a range of species: (timber species—Eucalyptus urophyla, Grevillea robusta; legume shrubs - Calliandra calothyrsus, Tephrosia vogelii; and fruit species—Persea americana and Citrus sinensis) were carried out in Simbi (Central Plateau) and Kageyo (Buberuka) with farmers from different wealth status who received tree seedlings for planting, managing, and evaluating. Simbi had more tree species farm−1 (4.5) than Kageyo (2.9). Fruit trees occurred most frequently in Simbi. Grevillea robusta, Calliandra calothyrsus and Tephrosia vogelii were mostly established along contours, fruit trees in homefields and Eucalyptus urophyla trees in woodlots. Survival was better on contours for Grevillea robusta (58–100 %) and Calliandra calothyrsus (50–72 %). Tree growth was strongly correlated with the total tree lop biomass in Eucalyptus urophyla (R 2 = 0.69). Grevillea robusta was most preferred in Simbi and Eucalyptus urophyla and Calliandra calothyrsus in Kageyo. The study provided information useful for revising the national agroforestry research and extension agenda and has important implications for other countries in the highlands of Africa.

JENIS TUMBUHAN ASING INVASIF YANG MENGANCAM EKOSISTEM DI TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG GEDE PANGRANGO, RESORT BODOGOL, JAWA BARAT:

Study on invasive alien species was conducted in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Bodogol Resort. Vegetation analyses in two different heights location was carried out by making of plots. First location was established at 700 m a.s.l., while second site was located at 800 m a.s.l., with 0.14 ha each plot. The result showed 10 trees species of 7 families and 29 saplings species of 14 families was found in the fi rst plot, whereas 12 trees species of 10 families and 48 saplings species of 28 families was located in the second plot. Three invasive species which threatened ecosystem in this study region were Maesopsis eminii, Calliandra calothyrsus and Austroeupatorium inulifolium.

Jenis tumbuhan asing invasif yang mengancam ekosistem di Taman Nasional Gunung Gede Pangrango Resort Bodogol Jawa Barat

Study on invasive alien species was conducted in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Bodogol Resort. Vegetation analyses in two different heights location was carried out by making of plots. First location was established at 700 m a.s.l., while second site was located at 800 m a.s.l., with 0.14 ha each plot. The result showed 10 trees species of 7 families and 29 saplings species of 14 families was found in the fi rst plot, whereas 12 trees species of 10 families and 48 saplings species of 28 families was located in the second plot. Three invasive species which threatened ecosystem in this study region were Maesopsis eminii, Calliandra calothyrsus and Austroeupatorium inulifolium. Berkala Penelitian Hayati, Vol. 17, No. 2. Hal. 147-152

Trees improve water storage and reduce soil evaporation in agroforestry systems on bench terraces in SW Uganda

The success of agroforestry in semi-arid areas depends on efficient use of available water and effective strategies to limit tree/crop competition and maximise productivity. On hillsides, planting improved tree fallows on the degraded upper section of bench terraces is a recommended practice to improve soil fertility while cropping continues on the lower terrace to maintain food production. This study examined the influence of tree fallows on soil water content (θ w ) and evaporation (E s ). Alnus acuminata Kunth (alnus), Calliandra calothyrsus Meissner (calliandra), Sesbania sesban L. (sesbania), a mixture of all three species, or sole crops (beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) or maize (Zea mays L.)) were grown on the upper terrace. The same sole crops were grown on the lower terrace. Four management regimes (unpruned, root, shoot and root + shoot pruned) were applied to the tree rows adjacent to the cropping area. Neutron probe and microlysimeter approaches were used to determine θ w and E s when the trees were c. 3.5 years old. Sesbania and alnus increased θ w by 9–18 % in the cropping area on the lower terrace but calliandra reduced θ w by 3–15 %. After heavy rain, E s comprised 29–38 % of precipitation in the tree-based treatments and 53 % under sole crops. Absolute values declined as rainfall decreased, but E s as a proportion of rainfall increased to 39–45 % in the tree-based treatments and 62 % for sole crops. Root + shoot pruning of alnus and the tree mixture increased θ w in the cropping area but had no significant effect in the other tree-based treatments. The results suggest that sesbania and alnus can be planted on smallholdings without compromising water supply to adjacent crops, whereas calliandra decreased water availability despite reducing E s . These results provide a mechanistic understanding of reported effects on crop yield in the same site.

Screening the potential of plant species to be used for dendro energy generation

According to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), CO2 concentration of the atmosphere at present isn360 ppm as against 280 ppm in the 1750. It has been predicted that by the year 2100, projected CO2 concentration will be in the range 540 – 970 ppm. As a consequence global average temperature is projected to increase by 1.4 to 5.80 C over the period 1990 to 2100. Energy generation contributes very significantly to the climate change as emissions of green house gases occur from the raw material used therein ie petrol, diesel, coal, fuel oil, LPG, kerosene etc.In the National Energy Policy of Sri Lanka 2008, under the clause fuel diversity and security, development of non conventional energies have been given much emphasis. It spells out a target of satisfying 10% of the grid connected energy demand from non conventional sources by 2015 which include biomass, mini hydropower, wind, solar etc. Despite being a carbon neutral fuel, the development of biomass for electricity has experienced a slow progress for which several factors had contributed such as not having a diverse feed stock (at the moment the major emphasis is on Gliricidia), dearth of readily available land for energy plantations, tariff etc. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to screen several tree species for their suitability of being used as feedstock for dendro power. Ten tree species were screened for a selected number of attributes for use in dendro energy such as wood density, specific gravity, calorific value, moisture content, biomass in two climatic zones (wet zone and dry zone) and during two specific seasons ie dry season and wet season. Samples were taken from three age categories ie. less than one year old, between 1-5 years old and more than 5 years old. Gliricidia sepium, Calliandra calothyrsus, Erythrina variegate, Grevillea robusta, Acacia mangium were selected for the wet zone while Prosopis juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia auriculiformis, Sesbania grandiflora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis were selected for the dry zone.The results indicates that for the dendro plants in the wet zone, Gliricidia sepium, Calliandra calothyrsus shows the best performance while for the dendro plants in the dry zone, Leucaena leucocephala, Prosopis juliflora were the best.

The framework tree species approach to conserve medicinal trees in Uganda

Framework species are indigenous tree species planted in a mixed stand to accelerate natural regeneration of forest and encourage biodiversity regeneration. In this study we used the framework species method to make multipurpose tree gardens to provide traditional healers with woody species used for medicine and other needs like food and firewood. We specifically determined the phenology, germination behaviour, survival and growth after planting 19 indigenous and 8 introduced woody species. The species were planted in a mixed stand together at a density of 3125 ha−1. Field performance was assessed by monitoring survival, height and crown width once every month for 13 months after planting. Eleven species (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Calliandra calothyrsus, Callistemon citrinus, Carica papaya, Carissa spinarum, Leucaena leucocephala, Markhamia lutea, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Senna siamea, S. spectabilis and Terminalia schimperiana) proved to be excellent framework species. Eight species qualified as ‘acceptable’ FWS (Albizia coriaria, Ceiba pentranta, Entada abyssinica, Erythrina abyssinica, Eugenia jambos, Ficus sycomorus, Maesopsis eminii and Milicia excelsa), while seven species were ranked as ‘marginally acceptable’ (Acacia macrothyrsa, Calpurnia aurea, Canarium schweinfurthii, Capparis tomentosa, Ficus natalensis, Senna sp. and Warburgia salutaris). Annona squamosa was the only species rejected since both germination and survival was low. Trees with good reforestation traits could be recommended for planting while the species that were marginally acceptable or rejected require extra research since some of them are important medicinal woody species of conservation concern.