Berhan Tewolde (PhD)Demissew Sebsebe2018-07-102023-11-082018-07-102023-11-081980-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7538In 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.enBiologyThesis