A S'l'udy on the STructure of a Hon'fane Forest - the Menagesha State Forbst
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Date
1980-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In order to have a better management for existing
forests, and to reafforest devegetated areas an ecological
study of forests is indispensable. Menagesha State Forest
which is one of the few remaining forests in Central ~thiopia
was chosen for such a study.
In the Nenagesha State E'orest, 50 stands were chosen
by systematic sampling. All the plants found in each stand
were recorded and in all 60 species of plants were identified.
Soil samples from the surface, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm.
depths were taken and analysed in the laboratory for
conductivity, pH, cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium
and sodium). Heasurements of slope, aspect and altitude
were taken in the field. The 50 stands were classified using
the Association Analysis technique in the University of
Nanchester Hegional Computer Centre, resulting in 16 groups
of stands (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, 0 and P).
I!:ach group of stands was compared with all other groups of
stands to see whether there are statistically significant
variations in their environmental factors (conductivity, pH,
cations, slope and altitude) between them using the t-test.
The results of the t-test showed that there are two more or
less distinct categories of vegetation. The first category
identified by + Erica arbore~ include group of stands that
have a poor nutrient status, a deeper soil, and a flatter
habitat than the group of stands in the - Eri.£!', category.
The - ].;rica group of stands have soils that are relatively
nutrient rich and have shallower depths. This group of stands also occupy steeper slopes than + t:ric,! category.
Based on the findings of the study it is suggested that
the conservation of tho forest has to continue; the
nutrient poor + Erica areas could have improved nutrient
stands if shrubs including Kolfa (Hukeguracha) followed
by Hae~ lanceolata and/or Carissa edulis that tend to
increase soil nutrients are planted, and planting conifers
whicll increase rates of nutrient loss is avoided.
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Biology