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