Ethiopian Highlands Research Articles

Root system architecture variation among barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions at seedling stage under soil acidity condition.

Soil acidity in Ethiopian highlands impacts barley production, affecting root system architecture. Study on 300 accessions showed significant trait variability, with potential for breeding enhancement. Soil acidity poses a significant challenge to crop production in the highland regions of Ethiopia, particularly impacting barley, a crucial staple crop. This acidity serves as a key stressor affecting the root system architecture (RSA) of this crop. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the RSA traits variability under acidic soil conditions using 300 barley accessions in a greenhouse experiment. The analysis of variance indicated substantial variations among the accessions across all traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 24.4% for shoot dry weight to 11.1% for root length, while the genotypic coefficient variation varied between 18.83 and 9.2% for shoot dry weight and root length, respectively. The broad-sense heritability ranged from 36.7% for leaf area to 69.9% for root length, highlighting considerable heritability among multiple traits. The genetic advances as a percent of the mean ranged from 13.63 to 29.9%, suggesting potential for enhancement of these traits through breeding efforts. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two major clusters, each containing varying numbers of genotypes with contrasting traits. This diversegrouppresents an opportunity to access a wide range ofpotential parentcandidates to enhance geneticvariablity in breeding programs. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative associations between root angle (RA) and other RSA traits. This helps indirect selection of accessions for further improvement in soil acidity. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the RSA characteristics of barley in acidic soil conditions, aiding in the development of breeding strategies to enhance crop productivity in acidic soil environments.

Nutrient Use Efficiency and Grain Quality of Malt Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties in Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer in, Southeastern Ethiopia

The expansion of brewing industries in Ethiopia has been inducing a growing demand for the supply of malt with optimum kernel protein content. However, the supply has been constrained by the unavailability of sufficient volumes of acceptable quality of malting barley grain to meet the ever-increasing demand. In this regard, field experiments were conducted in the southeastern Ethiopian highlands to evaluate the combined effects of six fertilizer levels (0, 11.5, 23, 34.5, 46, and 57.5) N kg ha<sup>-1 </sup>and three malt barley varieties (Fanaka, Ibon and Holker) on the yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency of malting barley. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of 11.5, 23, 34.5, 46 and 57.5 N kg ha<sup>-1</sup> increased the grain yields by 1010.3, 1065.9, 1288.1, 1421.3, and 1777.6 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> and economic benefits by 31 ETB, 30.4 ETB, 32.9 ETB, 33.16 ETB and 33.38 ETB respectively, for each increment of on N fertilizer, when compared to the control treatment. The production of malting barley with improved yield, optimum kernel protein concentrations and enhanced economic benefit was attained through 57.5 and 46 N kg ha<sup>-1</sup> as first and second option respectively in the study area. Thus, to improve the likelihood of acceptance of malting barley by malting industries, growers are recommended to select low-protein containing varieties and decide application of N fertilization based on soil test results.

A Distributed Catchment—Scale Evaluation of the Potential of Soil and Water Conservation Interventions to Reduce Storm Flow and Soil Loss

Finding effective ecosystem services (ESS) management practices to counteract land degradation and poverty is becoming increasingly urgent in the Ethiopian highlands, where livelihood security is strongly dependent on local ESS, particularly those provided by water and soil. In this paper, we test the effects of widely implemented soil and water conservation (SWC) interventions on storm flow and sediment concentration in the Debre Mawi watershed (representative of watersheds in the upper Blue Nile basin and Ethiopian highlands). The SWC interventions were tested with a Parameter Efficient Distributed (PED) model. The PED model simulates saturation excess runoff from degraded and saturated valley bottoms, and base and interflow from hillsides. The model was calibrated with observed runoff and sediment data in a 95-ha subcatchment. We found that the PED model simulated the discharge and soil loss well by decreasing the proportion of degraded lands due to installing SWC practices. The results show that four years after the implementation of SWC practices, the infiltration of rainwater was improved in 53% of the degraded lands. Thus, installing SWC practices on hillsides where infiltration is limited is most beneficial and will result in greater water availability during the dry phase, especially in locations where volcanic dikes block the lateral flow.

Indigenous Goat Populations in Northwestern and Western Zones of Tigray Region, Ethiopia: Characterization of Major Husbandry Practices and Kidding Patterns

The survey was conducted before the war (before October 2020) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Goats are highly concentrated in the lowland areas than in the highlands of Ethiopia. Sample households of Begait (102), Hassan (106) and Arado (181) goats were randomly involved in the face-to-face interview. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for data analysis. Illiterate respondents were in Begait (42%), Hassan (29%) and Arado (55%). Cattle and goats were the major economic sources in Begait (10.19±9.1 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU), 4.30±2.8 TLU) and Arado (4.77±3.2 TLU, 1.27±0.9 TLU) respondents. The mean flock size of Arado goat population (12.65±9.9) was significantly (P<0.005) lower than the mean flock sizes of Begait (43.02±28.1) and Hassan (70.29±52.6) populations. Animals went to water source in most respondents (100.0% of Begait, 67.0% of Hassan and 87% of Arado), and river was the major water source for the animals of about 47% of Begait, 43% of Hassan and 79.0% of Arado respondents. Animals of about 56% of Hassan and 57% of Arado respondents travelled a distance of 1-5 Kilometer (Km) to obtain water, and dry season daily watering frequency of once a day was dominantly practiced in about 88% of Begait and 83% of Hassan respondents. Diseases and external parasites were reported in Begait (96%, 85%), Hassan (98%, 90%) and Arado (67%, 87%) respondents which affected indigenous goat productivity. There was no access to veterinary service centers (VSCs) in about 47% of Begait, 65% of Hassan and 93% of Arado respondents, and some respondents in about 24% of Begait and 17% of Hassan travelled a distance of greater than 10 Km to reach VSCs. Own buck use for mating and buck birth in own flocks were exhibited in Begait (93%, 85%), Hassan (95%, 76%) and Arado (38%, 35%) respondents, respectively. Uncontrolled mating and buck use outside of own flock were practiced in Begait (70%, 73%), Hassan (43%, 65%) and Arado (100.0%, 100.0%) respondents due to most goats graze in communal lands, respectively. Unknown buck to does ratio was practiced in 41% of Begait and 39% of Hassan respondents. Unknown buck to does ratio and a ratio of one buck to all does in the flock were practiced in Arado (8%, 67%) respondents, respectively, and crossbreeding was highly practiced in Begait respondents (41%). The dominant kidding months of Begait and Arado goat populations were in September up to November whilst that of Hassan goat population were in October up to December. Castration and traditional castration method were practiced in Begait (54%, 54%), Hassan (39%, 37%) and Arado (70%, 64%) respondents, respectively. Community education, access to water, access to VSC, buck to doe ratio, kidding pattern improvement and castration to control inbreeding need critical attention.

Impact of Eucalyptus plantations on ecosystem services in the Upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia

In the Northern highlands of Ethiopia, Eucalyptus plantations have been widely established since the 1970s. However, there have been debates and concerns about the impact of these plantations on ecosystem services. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the impact of monoculture Eucalyptus plantations on ecosystem service values (ESVs) in the upper Blue Nile part of Ethiopia. We used Landsat satellite images (captured in 1993, 2004, 2014, and 2023) for land use/cover assessment. The images were classified using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm in the R open-source software. For ecosystem services valuation, we used the benefit transfer method, which allowed us to estimate ESVs by applying both global and local value transfer coefficients. The results show a significant expansion of Eucalyptus plantations, with the highest net change (180%) between 1991 and 2023. The estimated global ESVs ranged from US$206 million in 1991 to US$208 million in 2023, with croplands contributing the largest share (75%). However, specific ESVs related to nutrient cycling, habitat refuge, pollination, and culture declined due to decreasing ESVs of forest land, shrub land, and grazing land over the study period (1991–2023). In addition, ESVs associated with food production declined in the latter period (2014–2023) due to the conversion of croplands into Eucalyptus plantations and shrub lands. This study highlights the need for informed decision-making in land use systems, considering the trade-off between increasing productivity and the loss of other ecosystem functions and services.

Effects of fertilizer levels and varieties on fodder yield productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and profitability of oat (Avena sativa L.) in the central highlands of Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess the effect of fertilizer rates on agro-morphological traits, nutrient uptake and use efficiency, and economic feasibility of fodder yield in oat. The study was carried out using a factorial arrangement of eight fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 %) and three oat varieties (CI-8251, SRCPX80Ab2291, and Sorataf) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that variety, fertilizer, and year had a significant effect on fodder yield. The fodder yield increased up to 175 % of the blanket recommended fertilizer and application of 100, 125, 150, and 175 % produced fodder yield of 14.0, 15.6, 15.8, and 15.9 t/ha, respectively. The fodder type oat (CI-8251) and dual type oat (SRCPX80Ab2291) variety had 15.4 and 10.6 % fodder yield advantages over grain type oat (Sorataf), respectively. Significantly higher fodder yield was obtained in 2021 than 2020 cropping season. Moreover, the interaction effect of variety by fertilizer by year was significant for nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, nitrogen and total nutrient uptake, partial factor productivity, internal utilization efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and agro-physiological efficiency. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the number of tillers per plant, yields of morphological fractions (leaf, stem, and panicle), forage yield production rate, nutrient concentration, and uptake had significant positive associations with fertilizer levels and fodder yield. In contrast, all nutrient use efficiency except agro-physiological efficiency had inverse associations with fertilizer levels and fodder yield. The combined partial budget analysis for the three oat varieties showed that the application of 125 % fertilizer produced a higher net benefit (83,440 ETB) and marginal rate of return (12,635.6 %). Therefore, the blanket recommended fertilizer rate of 125 % (51.3 kg N + 25 kg P/ha) could increase fodder yield and farm profitability in the study area.

Occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance genes of Staphylococcus aureus in milk and milk products in the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, milk production and handling practices often lack proper hygiene measures, leading to the potential contamination of milk and milk products with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin-resistant strains,posing significant public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and presence of resistance genes in S. aureus strains isolated from milk and milk products. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Arsi highlands, Oromia, Ethiopia from March 2022 to February 2023. A total of 503 milk and milk product samples were collected, comprising 259 raw milk, 219 cottage cheese, and 25 traditional yogurt samples. S. aureus isolation and coagulase-positive staphylococci enumeration were performed using Baird-Parker agar supplemented with tellurite and egg yolk. S. aureus was further characterized based on colony morphology, Gram stain, mannitol fermentation, catalase test, and coagulase test. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for confirming the presence of S. aureus and detecting antimicrobial resistance genes. S. aureus was detected in 24.9% of the milk and milk products, with the highest occurrence in raw milk (40.9%), followed by yogurt (20%), and cottage cheese (6.4%). The geometric mean for coagulase-positive staphylococci counts in raw milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese was 4.6, 3.8, and 3.2 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (89.7%) and penicillin G (87.2%), with 71.8% of the isolates demonstrating multidrug resistance. Of the 16 S. aureus isolates analyzed using PCR, all were found to carry the nuc gene, with the mecA and blaZ genes detected in 50% of these isolates each. This study revealed the widespread distribution of S. aureus in milk and milk products in the Arsi highlands of Ethiopia. The isolates displayed high resistance to ampicillin and penicillin, with a concerning level of multidrug resistance. The detection of the mecA and blaZ genes in selected isolates is of particular concern, highlighting a potential public health hazard and posing a challenge to effective antimicrobial treatment. These findings highlight the urgent need to enhance hygiene standards in milk and milk product handling and promote the rational use of antimicrobial drugs. Provision of adequate training for all individuals involved in the dairy sector can help minimize contamination. These measures are crucial in addressing the threats posed by S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, and ensuring the safety of milk and its products for consumers.

EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND HARVESTING STAGE ON BOTANICAL COMPOSITION, BIOMASS YIELD, AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF NATURAL PASTURE UNDER TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF ETHIOPIA

<p><em><strong>Background: </strong></em>Natural pasture is an essential source of livestock feed worldwide, particularly in Ethiopia. Though pastureland coverage and management practices are changing over time, studies are limited in addressing the status under the dynamics of smallholder management conditions. <em><strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate natural pasture botanical composition, biomass yield, and nutritional value under different management and stages of harvesting in the central highlands of Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The pasture was harvested at three stages (pre-flowering, mid-flowering, and after full flowering) under different management (extensive, semi-intensive  where  urea was used as a fertilizer, and seasonal grazing). Quadrats of 0.25 m<sup>2</sup> were used for herbaceous species identification, biomass yield estimation and nutritive value analysis. Chemical composition of the samples were analyzed using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy</em>. <strong>Results:</strong> Thirty-one herbaceous species were identified (38.71% grasses, 19.35% legumes, 9.67% sedges, and 32.26% forbs), which belong to 11 families.<em> </em>The total biomass yield under semi-intensive management practice  at full maturity stage was greater than seasonally grazed and extensively managed pasture. The species richness, species evenness Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’ max) and maximum possible diversity (H’max) were similar (P>0.05) under all management practices. <em>Natural pasture </em>condition score was fair under seasonal grazing, while the score was excellent under extensive and semi-intensive management. Metabolizable energy (ME), and <em>in vitro</em> organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were higher (P<0.5) under extensive management compared to the semi-intensive management. The pasture harvested at the pre-flowering stage had higher (P<0.05) CP content, IVOMD, and ME, but low neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin values. <strong>Implications:</strong> The findings provide new insights into improving the biomass yield and quality of the pasture in semi-intensive pastureland management, and harvesting after the full flowering stage. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> <em>This study recommended</em> semi-intensive management and harvesting after the full flowering stage for higher pasture biomass yield, pasture condition, and nutritional value in the highlands of Ethiopia. Further study is required to investigate the combined effects of fertilizer (organic, inorganic) application and other management on biomass yield and quality of natural pasture in similar and other areas in the highlands of Ethiopia. </p><iframe class="ginger-extension-synonympopup" style="left: 134.956px; top: 88.8px; z-index: 56; padding: 0px; visibility: hidden; height: 152px;" src="chrome-extension://kdfieneakcjfaiglcfcgkidlkmlijjnh/ginger-popup/index.html"></iframe>

Soil Fertility Assessment and Mapping under Different Land Use Types along Toposequence at Danka Watershed in Dinsho Districts of Bale Highland Oromia, Southeastern Ethiopia

Soil fertility assessment and mapping bases, to increase fertilizer usage efficiency, decision-makers, planners, and soil management in undulating slopes farming of Ethiopian highlands like Bale Highland. The study aimed to assess and map soil fertility status along toposequence under different land use types at the Danka watershed of Dinsho District Bale Highland, Southeastern Ethiopia. Following the initial reconnaissance field survey, 54 composite soil samples were prepared from the three land use types (natural forest, grazing, and cultivated) at three slope positions lower (0 - 10%), middle (10 - 15%), and upper (15 - 30%) at a soil depth of 0 to 20 cm. Finally, the laboratory results were interpolated using the IDW interpolation technique in ArcGIS software 10.5 for the soil fertility status map and further analyzed using R software 4.1.1 Version for mean separation. The study findings indicate that the soil texture class of the study was loam to clay loam, clay loam, and clay to clay loam at the upper, middle, and lower slope positions, respectively. The finding revealed that the values varied from 5.81 – 6.66, 2.07 – 6.25%, 0.13 – 0.71%, 2.83 – 17.56 gm/kg, and 14.04 -38.80 cmol (+)/kg) for the soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and CEC, respectively. In this study, most of the soil fertility status of the Danka watershed was as follows: natural forest > grassland > cultivated land use types and lower slope > middle slope > upper slope positions. In conclusion, the main factors contributing to the area's declining soil fertility status were monocropping, total crop residue removal, soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and inadequate soil management. The results of the current study offer the basis for the work of farmers, planners, decision-makers, and other agriculture-related stakeholders. Integrated soil fertility management with biophysical soil conservation measures is advisable for cultivated land at all slope positions. Further, a study on slope position-based crop response fertilizer rating for agricultural precision and ensuring food security is recommended in undulating fields of the Danka watershed.

Assessment of soil erosion and prioritization of conservation and restoration measures using RUSLE and Geospatial techniques: the case of upper Bilate watershed

Soil erosion is still a vector of environmental and economic concern affecting most parts of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries. Nevertheless, recent human activities in the hills, coupled with poor conservation measures and practices, could have amplified the rate at which soil is lost in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. This study focuses on quantifying and prioritizing micro-watersheds that require conservation actions by piloting spatial modeling of soil loss in the upper Bilate watershed. Sentinel image, soil, DEM, rainfall, and support practice data were used. A Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) using GIS and satellite images was applied. The estimated average annual soil loss rate was demonstrated to be 24.1 t ha−1yr−1 and varied between 0.05 and 498.24 t ha−1yr−1. About 51.2% of the total revealed has a high soil truncation trait, of which 40% of the cropland has exceeded the soil loss tolerances of Ethiopia and tropical regions. The most affected micro-watersheds are MWS 16, 8, 6, and 3, which contributed 39.4% of the average annual loss rate, indicating the hotspots of soil loss problems in the region. This will have far-reaching off-site impacts on food security, soil productivity, human lives, infrastructures, and ecosystem service provisions.

A Review on the Impact of Soil Acidification on Plant Nutrient Availability, Crop Productivity, and Management Options in the Ethiopian Highlands

Soil acidity is a type of soil deterioration that has a negative impact on Ethiopia's overall and Western Oromia's specific sustainable agricultural production. Currently, soil acidity in highland portions of Western Oromia, including Gimbi, Nedjo, and surrounding areas, is a major problem that can impede agricultural productivity. Reviewing the mechanisms of soil acidification, which can affect soil nutrient availability and agricultural production, as well as management choices, were done in this context for this review topic. The main causes of acid soils are leaching of exchangeable basic cations and topsoil erosion caused by high temperatures and heavy rains, which promote the loss of organic matter the most. In most of Ethiopia's highland regions, the removal of agricultural waste and ongoing use of inorganic fertilizers that produce acidity are major factors in the development of soil acidity. Al and Mn toxicity are caused by acid soil, which also reduces nutrient availability. Furthermore, agricultural yield decreases due to acidity in the soil. The management options for acid soils include crop types resistant to Al toxicity, liming, and the use of organic materials as integrated forms of soil fertility control. Therefore, lime and organic fertilizers should be employed as crucial agricultural techniques for small-holder farmers in acidic soil locations in order to decrease the effects of soil acidity.

Traditional gold mining in the highlands of Ethiopia: Its effect on soil loss and possible reclamation measures

Traditional gold mining (TGM) is among the off-farm income sources of smallholder communities in the highlands of Ethiopia. However, information on their impact on land degradation, taking soil loss as a key indicator, was scant. Hence, this study aimed at i) analyzing local communities’ attitudes toward TGM practice, ii) TGM impact on soil loss, and iii) possible restoration measures for the degraded gold-mined landscapes. For the evaluation of community perceptions, 96 beneficiaries were selected from three gold mining sites following stratified random sampling techniques. Soil loss measurement was done through measurement of i) the mass of soil excavated and transported to the river (TR) from 96 individuals and ii) soil volume excavated in 45 excavated soil pits (EP). Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze soil loss data, while community perception was analyzed qualitatively. The survey results indicated that the average soil loss from TR and EP were 6,075.97±8.9 t ha-1 yr-1 and 32,549.99±753.68 t ha-1, respectively. The magnitude of soil loss also showed a significant (p<0.001) difference among the three sites. Due to a lack of awareness and hiding the reality, most of the gold miners believe that TGM practice has no negative impact on the soil resource, and no post-mined reclamation strategy is implemented. It can be concluded that the existing TGM practices are not done in an environmentally friendly approach and result in adverse soil loss. Hence, stabilizing the topography of the mined sites via backfilling of mined pits and topsoil conservation and amendment measures can be suggested.

Revisiting the thornthwaite mather procedure for baseflow and groundwater storage predictions in sloping and mountainous regions

Hillslope aquifers regulate streamflow and are a critical potable and irrigation water source, especially in developing counties. Knowing recharge and baseflow is essential for managing these aquifers. Methods using available data to calculate recharge and baseflow from aquifers are not valid for uplands. This paper adapts the Thornthwaite and Mather (T-M) procedure from plains to sloping and mountainous regions by replacing the linear reservoir with a zero-order aquifer. The revised T-M procedure was tested over four years in two contrasting watersheds in the humid Ethiopian highlands: the 57 km2 Dangishta with a perennial stream and the nine km2 Robit Bata, where the flow ceased four months after the end of the rain phase. The monthly average groundwater tables were predicted with an accuracy ranging from satisfactory to good for both watersheds. Baseflow predictions were “very good” after considering the evaporation from shallow groundwater in the valley bottom during the dry phase in Dangishta. We conclude that the T-M procedure is ideally suited for calculating recharge, baseflow and groundwater storage in upland regions with sparse hydrological data since the procedure uses as input only rainfall and potential evaporation data that are readily available together with an estimate of the aquifer travel time.

Magnesium isotope behavior during titanomagnetite fractionation in basaltic lavas

Knowledge of the behavior of magnesium (Mg) isotopes during magmatic differentiation is a prerequisite for applying Mg isotopes as a tracer of crustal recycling and mantle heterogeneity. Crystal fractionation of mafic silicate minerals leads to limited Mg isotope fractionation; hence, Mg isotopic variations in basalts largely result from contributions of subducted crustal materials into their mantle sources. However, recent studies have revealed that the segregation of iron oxides, such as chromite during early-stage basaltic differentiation and titanomagnetite and ilmenite during late-stage differentiation, can potentially modify Mg isotopic compositions of mantle-derived lavas. Titanomagnetite is much more commonly observed in terrestrial basaltic lavas than chromite and ilmenite, and can also form during early-stage basaltic differentiation. To constrain the effects of titanomagnetite crystallization on Mg isotopic systematics of basaltic magma, we report Mg isotopic data for a suite of well-characterized alkaline basaltic lavas (MgO wt% = 4.99 to 6.52) from Gerba Guracha, western Ethiopian Plateau, which have undergone extensive titanomagnetite fractionation. Their δ26Mg values range from −0.29‰ to −0.17‰ and do not correlate with indicators of titanomagnetite fractionation such as TiO2 and V. These observations suggest that the segregation of titanomagnetite produced limited Mg isotope fractionation, possibly because of its composition-dependent, highly variable Δ26MgTi-Mgt−melt (Δ26MgTi-Mgt−melt = δ26MgTi-Mgt − δ26Mgmelt) values. Considering that most iron oxides occur as complex solid solutions that are controlled by the oxygen fugacity of magmas, the effects of oxide segregation on Mg isotopic systematics of basalts require further evaluation.

Forage yield and nutritive value of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.) as affected by cutting heights in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin) an important fodder grass. However, information on its production is lacking. This study was carried out to evaluate the forage dry matter yield and nutritive value of Desho grass harvested at different cutting heights (CH), under rain-fed conditions in two different sites in central highlands of Ethiopia for two years. The treatments (T1-T8) were: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 cm cutting heights, distributed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The root splits of the grass were planted in a 3 m × 4 m (12 m2) plot size with 0.5 m × 0.25 m inter and intra-row spacing. In the two locations, over the years, significant differences were observed among cutting heights. The interaction of cutting heights by locations, and location by years were also significant. The interaction among cutting height, location, and year was insignificant. The highest (number of leaves per plant) NLPP was attained as the plant height advance, while the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) showed non-significant differene in different treatments. The dry matter yield (DMY) increased linearly with an increase in CH (ranging from 12.2 to 20.1 t ha−1 at Holetta, and 4.2 to 11.4 t ha−1at Kulumsa). The grass's ash and crude protein (CP) contents decreased as the cutting height increased. An increase in CH increased the fiber content Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and Acid detergent lignin (ADL), resulting decrease in in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). We recommend that desho grass be managed at 80–90 cm height resulting in optimum dry matter yield and nutritive value for use in smallholder farmers and market-oriented livestock producers of the central highlands of Ethiopia and major growing areas.

Small forest patches in Ethiopian highlands uniquely support high plant biodiversity

Small forest patches in Ethiopian highlands uniquely support high plant biodiversity

The impact of land uses on the diversity and farmers' preferences for woody species in the selected highlands of Ethiopia

The impact of land uses on the diversity and farmers' preferences for woody species in the selected highlands of Ethiopia

Effect of Eucalyptus globulus Plantations on Soil Physicochemical Properties in the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia

In recent years, there has been a substantial conversion of croplands and grasslands to short rotation Eucalyptus globulus plantations in the northern highlands of Ethiopia. This has raised concerns among researchers, policymakers, and environmentalists regarding potential adverse effects on soil fertility. To address these concerns, a study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Eucalyptus globulus plantations on selected soil physicochemical properties in the region. The study involved four land-use types, comprising two age groups of Eucalyptus globulus plantations (4-year-old and 9-year-old), as well as areas designated for grasslands and croplands. Soil sampling was carried out in 10 m × 10 m subplots within each experimental plot, and standard methods were employed for soil analysis. The soil laboratory results were statistically analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficients in R software version 4.1.0. The findings revealed significant variations (p<0.05) in soil bulk density, soil organic carbon, and soil pH between the 4-year-old and 9-year-old Eucalyptus globulus plantations and the grasslands. A notable difference (p<0.05) in exchangeable acidity was observed between the 4-year-old and 9-year-old E. globulus plantations, with the latter exhibiting the highest mean exchangeable acidity (6.20 ± 0.76). However, no significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the Eucalyptus plantations and the grasslands in available phosphorus (Av.P), exchangeable calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations, as well as cation exchange capacity (CEC). The study results has, therefore, implied that Eucalyptus globulus plantations induced changes in specific soil properties with varying stand ages in the study area. Nonetheless, it was emphasized that further long-term research is necessary to comprehend the effects of these plantations on soil properties.

Restoring degraded landscapes and sustaining livelihoods: sustainability assessment (cum-review) of integrated landscape management in sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionLand degradation is a significant environmental challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. In recent decades, efforts have been undertaken, with varying successes, to rehabilitate degraded rural landscapes. However, there needs to be more evidence on the outcomes regarding enhanced productivity, environmental management, and socio-economic benefits.MethodsThis study uses a case study approach, using contrasting sites from Ethiopia and Mali to appraise restoration innovations implemented through various programs. Two distinct sites were chosen from each of the study cases, and an extensive literature search was conducted to document the evidence, focusing on the sustainability gains derived from integrated landscape management (ILM). For this, the sustainable intensification assessment framework (SIAF) was used, encompassing five domains, namely productivity, economic, environmental, social, and human condition, and featuring scales from plot to landscape, all facilitated by simplified yet robust indicators such as yield, soil loss, net income, land access, and food availability.ResultsResults highlighted a higher productivity gain (35% to 55%) and an improved socio-economic benefit (>20%). The ILM in the Ethiopian highlands enabled a significant improvement in wheat and barley yield (p < 0.01). Introducing new crop varieties integrated with the in-situ and ex-situ practices enabled diversifying crops across the landscape and significantly reduced runoff and soil loss (p < 0.05). By increasing the cultivable land by 44%, household income was increased by selling potatoes and agroforestry products. In Mali, ILM practices reduced soil loss to 4.97t/ha from 12.1t/ha. In addition to the improvements in the yield of sorghum and maize (33% and 63%, respectively), rehabilitating the once marginal and abandoned landscape in Mali enabled landless and female-headed households to work together, improving the social cohesion among the groups. The introduction of irrigation facilities enabled widowed women to increase household vegetable consumption by 55% and increase their income by 24%.DiscussionThe study showed positive evidence from ILM practices in the two contrasting landscapes. However, there is a need to address challenges related to the absence of timely data monitoring and documentation of successful practices. For this, the generation of evidence-based data and the use of advanced geo-spatial tools such as Remote Sensing and GPS-installed drones are recommended.

The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis

Pleistocene environments are among the most studied issues in paleoecology and human evolution research in eastern Africa. Many data have been recorded from archaeological sites located at low and medium elevations (≤ 1500 m), whereas few contexts are known at 2000 m and above. Here, we present a substantial isotopic study from Melka Kunture, a complex of prehistoric sites located at 2000—2200 m above sea level in the central Ethiopian highlands. We analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of 308 faunal tooth enamel samples from sites dated between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma to investigate the animal diets and habitats. The carbon isotopic results indicate that the analyzed taxa had C4-dominated and mixed C3-C4 diets with no significant diachronic changes in feeding behavior with time. This is consistent with faunal and phytolith analyses, which suggested environments characterized by open grasslands (with both C3 and C4 grasses), patches of bushes and thickets, and aquatic vegetation. However, palynological data previously documented mountain forests, woodlands, and high-elevation grasslands. Additionally, the carbon isotopic comparison with other eastern African localities shows that differences in elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies and habitat partitioning, even though plant species vary according to altitudinal gradients. In contrast, the oxygen isotopic comparison suggests significant differences consistent with the altitude effect. Our approach allows us to detect diverse aspects of animal behavior, habitat, and vegetation that should be considered when reconstructing past environments.