Southeastern Ethiopia Research Articles

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plant species in Nensebo District, south-eastern Ethiopia

Background: Plants are important sources of traditional medicine in many cultures. Ethiopia, being rich in floral and cultural diversity, merits documentation of medicinal plants and associated traditional medicinal knowledge in various parts of the country. To this end, an ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted in Nensebo district, southern Ethiopia. Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field guided walks, direct observation, focus group discussions and market surveys from December 2018 to February 2019. Both descriptive and quantitative methods were used for data analysis, as appropriate. Ethnobotanical data analysis techniques such as informant consensus factor, paired comparison, and preference ranking. Results: A total of 127 medicinal plant species belonging to 108 genera and 67 families were identified and documented. Medicinal plants were mostly (60%) collected from the wild. Of the recorded plant species, 70% were reported to be used to treat human ailments and 12% were used to treat livestock ailments. Herbs were the most frequently harvested medicinal plant growth form (32%). Among the plant parts used for medicine, leaves (36%) were the most frequently used. The most widely used mode of preparation for medicines was crushing (38%) and the most frequent route of administration was orally (31%). The most common human aliments treated in the area were gonorrhea, diarrhea, fever, tapeworm and headache, whereas the most common livestock aliments treated in the area were blackleg, cattle coughing, equine coughing, equine rheumatism. There was 21% informant consensus that Croton macrostachyus is effective in treating the common human aliment gonorrhea and also the preference raking findings indicated that Croton macrostachyus as most preferred medicinal plant species to treat gonorrhea. Conclusions: Several medicinal plant species and associated indigenous knowledge were reported to be used to treat human and livestock ailments, implying the local community depends on them for primary health care. As a result, there is a need for conservation of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in the area. Key words: Informants consensus, mode of preparation, pairwise comparison, route of administration

Evaluation of Fungicides against Downy Mildew (Peronospora destructor Berk) of Onion (Allium cepa) in Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of tested fungicides against downy mildew of onion and determine the appropriate interval of fungicides application.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out down in randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatments.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in farmers field of Aloshe village; Goba district of Bale zone in 2018/2019 during “Bona Season”.
 Methodology: Locally available onion variety and two tested fungicides (Mancozeb (Mancozeb 80 Wp) and Ridomil (Ridomil Gold MZ 68WG) were used. Locally available variety of onion was planted in a plot size of 3m x 2.4m with three replications. Each two fungicides were applied at interval of seven day, fourteen and twenty one day interval including unapplied fungicide plot as control.
 Results: The result indicated that, both fungicides (Mancozeb and Ridomil) were effectively reduces the severity level of the disease. The higher plant height(42.5cm), bulb weigh (289g), total weight of the bulbs (114Qt/ha) and lower severity (8.35%) were recorded from weekly application of Ridomil, fourteen day application of Ridomil and weekly application interval of Mancozeb. The higher marginal rate of return of 2833.45% and 1999.07% were recorded from weekly and fourteen applications of Mancozeb and Ridomil respectively.
 Conclusion: The minimum application frequency of three times of Ridomil in fourteen days and weekly interval application of Mancozeb were effective against downy mildew and profitable.

Soil characteristics under dominant agroforestry systems along toposequence of Gedeo, Southeastern Ethiopia

Soil fertility is important in influencing productivity in agroecosystems. The interaction of trees and crops in different agroforestry systems considerably affects soil fertility and crop productivity. Information on the effect of different land-use systems on soil physicochemical properties in the Gedeo, Southern Ethiopia is insufficient. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of three different types of agroforestry systems (Home garden/HG/, Ficha system/FS/, and Parkland/PL/) on soil physicochemical properties. The soil sample was investigated in two soil depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm), and a total of 54 composite samples representing different agroforestry systems. The result revealed that the soil pH of HG and FS had significantly higher (P < 0.05) than PL, and the highest soil organic carbon, organic matter, and Cation exchange capacity were observed in ficha system and homegarden agroforestry system, while the lowest values were recorded in PL. the lowest content of Av. P (4.05) and K(1.48)were observed on the PL, whereas the highest value of Av. P(8.65) and K(5.62) respectively were recorded in HG. The result established that land use and management practice have influenced the soil physicochemical properties studied. Based on these findings, FS and HG systems have enormous potential to enhance soil fertility and reduce mining of soil nutrients and more sustainable system. Overall, we conclude that an organic material addition is likely to be an important feature of many of the solutions to the low level of soil nutrients in the agroforestry system.

Impacts of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on Plant Species Diversity in Ginir District, Southeastern Ethiopia

Invasive alien species are considered the second greatest global threat to biodiversity. This study is aimed at determining the impacts of Parthenium hysterophorus on herbaceous and woody plant species diversity in the Ginir district, southeast Ethiopia. Data on vegetation were collected from the three study sites’ four land use types, with each land use type having invaded and non-invaded land units. A systematic random sampling method was used for establishing sampling plots. To examine the impacts of the invasive on native plant diversity, a total of 160 plots (120 plots of 1 m2 on grazing lands, roadsides, and abandoned agricultural lands and 40 plots of 20 m2 for sampling herbaceous and tree (shrub) species, respectively) were established. The number of plots was equally distributed in both invaded and adjacent non-invaded areas. Plant species from each plot were recorded and identified. In each plot, all the individuals of P. hysterophorus were counted, the heights of the five tallest individuals were measured, and the mean height was calculated. The percentage cover of P. hysterophorus was visually estimated. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 105 plant species (45 trees/shrubs and 60 herbaceous) belonging to 84 genera and 42 families were documented in the study area. The result showed a strong negative relationship between the density of P. hysterophorus and other plant species richness (r = −0.82, p = 0.013) and species abundance (r = −0.917, p = 0.001) per study site of the invaded community. Species richness in the non-invaded site was higher (105 species) than in the invaded area (63 species), demonstrating the negative impact of P. hysterophorus on local biodiversity. Furthermore, the number of plant families was 42 in the non-invaded area, in contrast to only 32 in the invaded areas, a 23.8% decline. Of the plant communities, similarity indices between non-invaded and invaded sites among different land use types were &gt;50%. It was concluded that P. hysterophorus was one of the most dominant invasive alien species in the study area that reduced the species diversity of various plant species. Putting in place a strategy and effective planning for the control and management of this invasive alien species is strongly recommended.

"Faba Bean Varieties Response to Phosphorus Application on Yield and Yield Components at Kulumsa Area of Tiyo District, Arsi Zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia"

"Faba Bean Varieties Response to Phosphorus Application on Yield and Yield Components at Kulumsa Area of Tiyo District, Arsi Zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia"

Prevalence of central obesity and its associated risk factors among adults in Southeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundObesity and overweight are known public health problems that affect populations across the world. These conditions have been associated with a wide range of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. In Ethiopia, the literature regarding the burden of central (abdominal) obesity is scarce. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the prevalence and risk factors associated with central obesity among adults in Ethiopia.MethodsFrom May to July 2021, a community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 694 adults aged ≥18 years in administrative towns of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling followed by systematic random sampling was employed to identify study participants. Waist and hip circumferences were measured using standard protocols. The World Health Organization STEPS wise tool was used to assess risk factors associated with central obesity. Bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with central obesity. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) have been reported to estimate the strength of associations.ResultsThe overall prevalence of central obesity using waist circumference was 39.01% [(95% CI: 35.36–42.76; 15.44% for men and 53.12% for women)]. Multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex (AOR = 12.93, 95% CI: 6.74–24.79), Age groups: 30–39 years old (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.59–4.94), 40–49 years (AOR = 7.66, 95% CI: 3.87–15.15), 50–59 years (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.19–9.89), ≥60 years (AOR = 12.67, 95% CI: 5.46–29.39), occupational status like: housewives (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.85–14.62), self-employed workers (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.62–13.24), government/private/non-government employees (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.47–14.88), and skipping breakfast (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.9) were significantly associated with central obesity.ConclusionsAbdominal obesity has become an epidemic in Bale Zone’s towns in Southeastern Ethiopia. Female sex, age, being employed were positively associated with central obesity, while skipping breakfast was a protective factor.

Bayesian spatial analysis of factors influencing neonatal mortality and its geographic variation in Ethiopia.

BackgroundEthiopia is a Sub-Saharan country with very high neonatal mortality rates, varying across its regions. The rate of neonatal mortality reduction in Ethiopia is slow, and Ethiopia may not meet the third United Nations sustainable development target by 2030. This study aimed to investigate the spatial variations and contributing factors for neonatal mortality rates in Ethiopia.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), which used a two-stage cluster sampling technique with a census enumeration area as primary and households as secondary sampling units. A Bayesian spatial logistic regression model using the Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (SPDE) method was fitted accounting for socio-economic, health service-related and geographic factors.ResultsHigher neonatal mortality rates were observed in eastern, northeastern and southeastern Ethiopia, and the Somali region had higher risks of neonatal mortality. Neonates from frequently drought-affected areas had a higher mortality risk than less drought-affected areas. Application of traditional substances on the cord increased the risk of neonatal mortality (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.07, 95% Credible Interval (CrI): 1.12 to 4.30) and getting health facility delivery services had a lower odds of neonatal mortality (AOR = 0.60, 95% CrI: 0.37, 0.98).ConclusionsResiding in drought-affected areas, applying traditional substances on the umbilical cord and not delivering at health facilities were associated with a higher risk of neonatal mortality. Policy-makers and resource administrators at different administrative levels could leverage the findings to prioritise and target areas identified with higher neonatal mortality rates.

The Transmission Pattern of Amoebiasis in Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia

Amoebiasis is a primarily zoonotic disease, mainly transferred through the fecal-oral route and waterborne. Amoebiasis is still a big challenge for human and animal health and is a major cause of diarrhea in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the epidemiology of the disease in humans, dogs, and the occurrence of the parasite in water bodies. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of the Bale zone in southeastern Ethiopia. Pet owners were selected randomly. Socio-demographic data were collected using a questionnaire and fecal samples were used to perform microscopic examination. A total of 383 fecal samples of humans, 383 fecal samples of dogs, and 58 water samples were studied from December 2019 to July 2020. Of 383 humans, 179 were males and 186 were females, while 94 individuals were grouped as children younger than 8 years, 164 were grouped as youth within the age range of 8-18 years, and 125 were grouped as adults who were older than 18 years. Of 383 local breeds, dogs were grouped as 87 puppies younger than one year, 192 young dogs with the age range of 1-2 years, and 104 adult dogs who were older than 2 years. Fecal samples were taken from 173 male and 210 female dogs. The water samples were taken randomly from the water sources (river, lake, pond, or water tank) at different sites where dogs and humans can easily contact water to use for different purposes. Of the total samples, 70 humans (18.3%), 63 dogs (16.5%), and 16 water samples (27.6%) were contaminated with the parasite. The major risk factors for the transmissions of parasites were contaminated drinking water, large family size, open-air defecation, and improper handwashing. The present study revealed that the human reservoir was a major risk factor for the spread and transmission of amoebiasis in dogs. The high prevalence of the disease might be due to open-air defecation, unhygienic health practices, domestic animals inside the houses, and using local water bodies as a drinking source.

Factors associated with treatment outcome of tuberculosis in Bale Robe General Hospital, Southeastern Ethiopia: A retrospective study

Factors associated with treatment outcome of tuberculosis in Bale Robe General Hospital, Southeastern Ethiopia: A retrospective study

Effects of habitat gradient and agro-climatic variation on selected soil physical and chemical properties in the Bale Mountains national park, south-eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that anthropogenic effects are responsible for drastic changes in landscape patterns and ecosystem services. This study aims to assess the effects of landscape change and agro-climatic variation on selected soil physical and chemical properties in the Bale Mountains national park. A combination of stratified and systematic sampling techniques was employed to draw representative soil samples. A total of 72 soil samples (3 agro-climatic zones × 3 land cover types × 2 habitat gradients × 4 replications = 72) at a depth of 0–20 cm were collected for the soil physical and chemical property analysis. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted to determine the level of variation in soil parameters. Tukey’s honest significance difference (HSD) test was used to compare treatment means at a 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe results suggest that soil parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05) among agro-climatic zones, land cover, and habitat gradients. The soil pH, SOC, TN, AP, CEC and clay content were significantly higher in the lower altitude, natural vegetation and interior habitat, whereas the soil sand and silt content as well as the soil bulk density were significantly higher in the farmland and edge habitat.ConclusionsConservation and restoration priority should be given to those vegetation types and ecosystems that are highly affected by human interferences such as the grassland in the middle altitude, ericaceous land in the higher altitude, and moist forest in the lower altitudes.

Yellow Rust (puccinia striiformis.f.sp.tritici) on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Effect and Managements Methods-A Review

Yellow rust is caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the known pathogens of wheat. This rust usually occurs at early in the growth season of wheat, when temperature ranges between 2 and 15 °C; but it may occur to a maximum temperature of 23 °C. High humidity and rainfall are conducive for increasing the infection (disease) on both leaf blade and leaf sheath, even on spikes when the disease occurred as epidemic form. Stunted and weakened plants, shriveled grains, and fewer spikes are among the symptoms of the disease. Therefore the objective of this paper is to review Effect of yellow rust (puccinia striiformis.f.sp.tritici) on wheat production and their management options. Yellow rust yield losses can be 50%, but in severe situations 100% is vulnerable. In countries where wheat is grown in winters or at high altitudes, stripe rust is a common threat, but not more significant than wheat leaf rust and stem rust , which are continuous threats in all wheat-growing seasons up to maturity of the crops. Epidemics of yellow rust have become more frequent and widespread at higher altitudes in south-eastern Ethiopia due to frequent production of mega cultivars, varietal susceptibility, expansion of wheat mono cropping, development and introduction of new virulent races and conducive environmental factors prevailing rust development. There are many methods of yellow rust (puccinia striiformis) management like bio control, chemical, cultural control and breeding for diseases resistance, among this, breeding resistant varieties is the most cost-effective method to control this rust. Fungicides are available but vary in ability to control this rust depending on their registration restrictions by state or national governments in addition they are not recommended more due environmentally unfavorable. Keywords: - Bread wheat, Rust management, yellow rust, wheat yield DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-12-03 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Study on Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Equines in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia.

Parasitic infections can cause a variety of respiratory, intestinal, and other problems in horses, as well as contribute to some performance issues. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia, from November 2020 to June 2021 to identify species and evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses, using direct fecal smear, floatation methods, and larval cultures. In this study, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 94.5% (363 out of 384), with donkeys accounting for 95.8% and horses accounting for 90.5%. The coprological study indicated that an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 87%, 8.3%, 2.5%, 1.4%, and 0.8% for mixed parasite infection, nonmigratory strongylids, migratory strongylids, Parascaris equorum, and Oxyuris equi, respectively. Among mixed infections, nonmigratory strongylids+migratory strongylids (51.5%) occurred most frequently. The odds of male horses being infected by GIT nematodes were 1.59 times higher than male donkeys. Horses which have poor body condition were 2.94 times more infected than donkeys. The odds of old-aged donkeys were 3.11 times more infected than horses. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes with species and body conditions of the animals. However, no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was seen in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites between the sex and age of the Equidae. The mean fecal egg count of nematodes revealed that horses (1364.4 ± 483.5) had a more severe infection than donkeys with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The current study determined there was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in Equidae. Regular deworming, improved housing and nutrition management systems, increased animal owner awareness, and prevention techniques should all be undertaken to minimize the disease's economic burden in the area.

Farmers’ perceptions of large-scale agricultural investment and its impacts on traditional ecological knowledge in Gololcha District, South Eastern Ethiopia

Farmers’ perceptions of large-scale agricultural investment and its impacts on traditional ecological knowledge in Gololcha District, South Eastern Ethiopia

Assessment of spatio-temporal patterns of coffee wilt disease, constraints on coffee production and its management practices in Berbere district, Bale Zone, southeastern Ethiopia

Investigation of coffee wilt disease (CWD) caused by Gibberella xylarioides was made to determine the spatio-temporal pattern, socio-economic challenges and management practices in Berbere district between 2017 and 2018. A field and household surveys were employed for the study. The incidence and severity of CWD were varied among the study villages (p < 0.05), but not between dry and wet seasons (p > 0.05). The variation in the disease severity was due to variations in the disease incidence among study villages, and in dry or wet season. The mean yield of coffee was higher before 2009 than after 2008 (p < 0.0001). Coffee wilt disease caused largely economic losses and shifting coffee cultivation; found frequently on older and densely planted coffee. Replacing with new seedlings and weeding were used largely for CWD management. There is an increasing intensity of CWD in the district, suggesting an integrated disease management option.

Impact of climate change on streamflow of Melka Wakena catchment, Upper Wabi Shebelle sub-basin, south-eastern Ethiopia

Abstract Climate change is becoming a global concern, dictating the water resource availability of a certain region. This study focuses on the impact of climate change on the streamflow of the Melka Wakena reservoir in the Upper Wabi Shebelle sub-basin using a Soil Water Analysis Tool (SWAT). The climate model variables (precipitation and temperature) are obtained from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX-Africa) and applied under representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5) and (RCP8.5) scenarios. Bias correction was applied to the climate variables before transferring to the hydrological model (SWAT) to simulate discharge. The performance measures R2, NSE, and Percent Bias (PBIAS) for calibration and validation were 0.69, 0.65, and −5.10 and 0.65, 0.61, and −9.81, respectively. Streamflow was simulated for two consecutive periods from 2021 to 2050 and from 2051 to 2080 for both scenarios and compared with the base period from 1986 to 2015 to explore the impact of climate change on inflows to the reservoir. The result obtained showed that the precipitation was predicted to be mildly decreasing, whereas overall annual flow was projected to be insignificantly decreasing under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The impact of climate change on the water resource of the study area was predicted to be a statistically insignificant reduction.

Perennial monocropping of khat decreased soil carbon and nitrogen relative to multistrata agroforestry and natural forest in southeastern Ethiopia

Monocropping of perennial cash crops providing livelihood for smallholders is replacing native forest throughout the tropics, but there is no direct empirical evidence on the impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) relative to multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping. In particular, the impact of the conversion of forests and multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping to a rapidly expanding perennial monocropping of khat (Catha edulis Forskal) is not known. We investigated the potential of cash cropping integrated in multistrata agroforestry to alleviate SOC and N loss from converted native forest, relative to cash monocropping. We assessed empirically SOC and N stocks in the 40-cm-deep soil surface layer of three matched adjacent plots of native forest, multistrata agroforestry, and perennial cash monocropping, within nine replicate groups of the three land uses. The fixed mass method was applied. The estimated rates of the annual SOC and N losses were 3.0 and 3.4 times greater, respectively, in areas converted to khat monocropping than in agroforestry systems producing both coffee (Coffea arabica) and khat. Additionally, the carbon and N contents in leaf litter and fine roots were greater in agroforestry than in khat. The results indicated that multistrata-agroforestry-based cash cropping maintains most of the SOC and N stocks of converted native forests lost in conversion to cash monocropping khat than in agroforestry-based cash cropping. This warrants economic incentives to prevent the loss of the current stocks, while enabling cash crop income by smallholders. Reducing forest SOC and N stock decline in agroforestry through system management deserves attention as well.

Effects of climate variability on livestock productivity and pastoralists perception: The case of drought resilience in Southeastern Ethiopia

This study examines the perception of the pastoral community on climate change and performance, resilience and adaptive capacity of livestock under climatic stress in southeastern Ethiopia. The study used a mixed research approach whereby quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from multiple sources to address the impacts of climate variability on livestock production and livelihood of pastoral-agro-pastoral communities of Guji zone. Data about pastoralist perception on climate change were collected from 198 randomly selected households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Furthermore, climate data were obtained from the national meteorological agency, and climatic water balance was assessed. The household survey result indicated increasing patterns of temperature (82.8%)and drought intensity (84.8%). Majority of respondents perceived decreasing trends of rainfall and feed availability. Similarly, the trend analysis of rainfall showed declining trends of annual (-4.7 mm/year), autumn (-4.5 mm) and winter (-0.54 mm). Rainfall Anomaly Index identifies 13 drought years over the past 32 years, of which 53.85% occurred between 2007- 2017. Significantly higher (p<0.01) cattle and small ruminants than camel per household died during the disastrous drought occurred in 2008/9 and 2015/16. Nonetheless, the result indicated significantly higher (p<0.01) amounts of milk yield (3.32 litre/day) of dairying camel during dry periods than cattle and small ruminants. Camel and goats are perceived as drought-resistant livestock species and cattle keepers shifting to have more camel and goat in response to prevailing drought in the study area. Poor attention is given to identify climate-smart/resilient livestock species and strains. Therefore, extensive investigations are required to select and identify purpose-specific camel and goat strains for drought-prone areas.

Phytochemical Screening and In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Acacia Brevispica Leave Extract Collected around Haramaya Wereda

There is limited quantitative information with regard to the vegetation structure in South-eastern Ethiopia. This study was therefore carried out to determine the density, DBH, Basal area and height distributions of woody plant species at Jello-Muktar dry afromontane forest. Systematic sampling design was used to collect vegetation data in total of 90 circular sample plots of each 30cm radius. In each plot all woody plants which are ≥2 cm diameter at breast height and height &gt; 1m were identified, measured and recorded. Analysis of Size class distribution was performed for height (100 cm and above) and diameter classes (2 cm and above) and BA of each woody plant species with DBH ≥ 2 cm was computed The study revealed that more than 93% of the individuals had the DBH class distribution of more than 40.01 cm DBH. The DBH class distribution showed an inverted J-shape curve with the presence of more individuals in the lower DBH classes which is an indication of the active regeneration. The basal area in this study ranged from 10.9 m 2 /ha for DBH class 1 to 59.02 m 2 /ha for DBH class 11. The total basal area was found to be 245.65m 2 and there was a J-shape curve relationship between DBH class and basal area class distribution. About 89 % of trees and shrubs had heights of more than 5m tall but only 3.45% the total individuals recorded were more than 30m. The population structure of the entire forest showed higher stem densities in the Lower diameter classes and progressively declining stem densities with increasing Diameter classes. Study of woody plant species population structure is an invaluable strategy for planning management actions and also helps in identifying the status of the forest stand with regard to its rate of disturbance. Hence it is better to manage those parts of forest stands with less number of individuals through enrichment planting of indigenous tree species. Keywords: DBH, basal area, height, DBH class, height class, dry afromontane, woody DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-5-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

English

This study was performed at lower Wabishebele sub-basin in Somali region south eastern Ethiopia to analyse the land use and cover and spatial variability of soil chemical properties of the sub-basin and develop soil map. A total of 41 soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth and analyzed for; pH total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and exchangeable potassium (EK). The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and geostatistical methods. The results showed that highest mean value of pH was recorded from bare land (8.05). The highest mean of soil N was seen on potential croplands (0.251) followed by dense shrub land (0.230), woodland (0.230), croplands (0.187), and sparse shrub land (0.159) and bare land (0.151). The highest mean of AP recorded at dense shrub land (7.279) followed by potential croplands (6.607 ppm), cropland, woodland, bare land and sparse shrub land. Soil map was developed for lower Wabishebele sub-basin. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used as baseline information to implement appropriate soil management intervention for current study area. Key words. Land use, land cover, soil properties, lower wabishebele, sub-basin.

Worm Collection and Characterization of Vermicompost produced using different worm species and waste feeds materials at Sinana on – Station of Bale highland southeastern Ethiopia

Worm Collection and Characterization of Vermicompost produced using different worm species and waste feeds materials at Sinana on – Station of Bale highland southeastern Ethiopia