The Benefits of Acacia abyssinica (Hochst.) ex. Benth. (Fabaceae) in the Restoration of the Threatened Juniperus procera (Hochst.) ex. Endl. (Cupressaceae)

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Date

2012-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The study was conducted in the “Center for Indigenous Trees Propagation and Biodiversity development in Ethiopia”. This thesis presents analysis of the contribution of Acacia abyssinica for the restoration of the threatened Juniperus procera. The general purpose of the study was to examine the role of A. abyssinica in the restoration of the threatened J. procera on degraded and bare landscape. To achieve this objective, different size sampling plots were used for both tree and soil data collections, along the systematically laid transect lines. Accordingly, a total of 24 sampling plots were constructed, inside each sample plot, the growth parameters, viz. tree height, d.b.h, crown length, crown diameter, branch numbers, branch length and status of soil physicochemical properties in the two sub-sites was recorded and examined. The growth potential of the studied tree was analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that the mean growth difference of J. procera in the two sub-sites was significant (p < 0.05) and its growth potential in all parameters was considerably higher in A. abyssinica influenced sub-site than the control sub-site. The results showed that the presence of A. abyssinica were paramount important for the restoration of the endangered J. procera. The soil analysis result revealed that there is significant mean difference (p < 0.05) for soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and soil textures in the two soil depths and across the two sub-sites. Total nitrogen, organic carbon, EC, available phosphorus and CEC except soil pH were decreased with increasing soil depths which is an indication of surface soil fertility restoration. Soil fertility was different across the two sub-sites. This might be due to either the presence or absence of nitrogen fixing as well as necromass production of A. abyssinica. The significance of the study was to provide a basis for further restoration studies that contributes towards restoration, protection, regeneration and conservation of useful endangered tree in particular and biodiversity in general. Keywords: Restoration, nitrogen fixation, growth performance, J. procera, Soil fertility.

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Keywords

Restoration, nitrogen fixation, growth performance, J. procera, Soil fertility

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