Effect of Indigenous Tree Species Component in Homegarden Agroforestry System on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties in Habro District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Homegardens are one of the most important niche in which farmers feel confident to plant and maintain tree and shrub species. Indigenous tree species that are used for soil fertility improvement in Homegardens in western Harerghe in general and Habro district have not been given much research attention. The study assessed the effect of indigenous tree species components of homegarden agroforestry system on selected soil physicochemical properties. The study was carried out in Habro district at three sites (Melka Belo, Haro Chercher and Lega Bera). Soil samples were collected from under Cordia africana and Faidherbia albida canopy and outside canopy at three distances (at half of the canopy radius under the tree, at canopy edge and at three times canopy radius away from the tree trunk outside the canopy) within the 0-20cm and 20 to 40cm soil depths. Mean total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and organic carbon were significantly higher under the tree canopy than outside the canopy area (P<0.05). Bulk density was significantly higher at subsurface than surface soil while organic carbon was significantly higher at surface soil than subsurface soil. The analysis of variance revealed that moisture content, soil texture and soil pH were not significantly affected by tree species, distance from the tree trunk and by soil depth. The present study demonstrates that Cordia africana and Faidherbia albida tree that were planted or maintained in homegarden agroforestry system of Habro district improved soil properties and they can be used as an economically feasible, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to maintain soil fertility of the resource poor farmers in similar agro-ecological conditions. Hence, the research encourages indigenous tree species that are found to have positive effects on soil physical and chemical properties

Allelopathy effect of Prosopis juliflora on selected grass species (Cenchrus ciliaris, Paspalidium desertorum and Lintonia nutans)

Prosopis juliflora growing frightening rate of invasiveness had affected the livelihood of the pastoral communities in the Amibara rangeland of Afar National Regional State. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the allelopathy effect of an aqueous leaf, bark, and root extracts of Prosopis juliflora on selected grass species such as Cenchrus ciliaris, Paspalidium desertorum, and Lintonia nutans. A total of 10 soil samples were collected from the Amibara rangeland of Afar National Regional State. The collected soil samples were mixed in a plastic bag to get composite soil. Further, the composite soil sample was subjected to analysis of physic-chemical characters (pH, soil organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen content). To study the allelopathy effect of Prosopis juliflora on selected grass species. To this, aqueous extracts were prepared from powdered leaf, bark, and root of Prosopis juliflora at different concentration levels (0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%). Further, the extracts were subjected to analysis of seed germination percentage and seedling growth of selected grass species such as Cenchrus ciliaris, Paspalidium  desertorum and Lintonia nutans. Prosopis juliflora showed a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination of Cenchrus ciliaris, Paspalidium  desertorum,  and Lintonia nutans. grass species. Among the leaf, bark, and root aqueous extracts, the leaf showed the highest inhibitory effect on seed germination percentage, and the effect also concentration-dependent. Prosopis juliflora aqueous extracts of leaf, bark, and root of were exhibited significant inhibition on the fresh shoot biomass weights of Cenchrus ciliaris, Paspalidium desertorum and Lintonia nutans. when compared to the control. While the fresh shoot biomass weight of Cenchrus ciliaris and Paspalidium desertorum was highly deteriorated at (5% and 10%). Whereas, the fresh shoot biomass weight of Lintonia nutans momentously retarded at (1% and 5%) as compared to the control

Influence of Residues Level, Parts and Duration of Decomposition of Some Major Broadleaved Weeds on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Maize (Zea mays)

A greenhouse experiment was conducted at International Livestock Research institute (ILRI), Wolaita Soddo during 2012-13 with the objective of investigating the effect of soil incorporated Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis L; Commelanaceace) and Thorn apple (Datura stramonium L.; Solanaceae) root and whole plant residues and their duration of decomposition on germination and early growth of maize (Zea mays L.). The soil was unamended and amended with the root and whole plant dry residues at the rate of (5, 10, 20, 40 g/ kg soil) and exposed for three different decomposition periods (0, 2 and 4 weeks) in Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. None of the treatments was affects the germination of maize significantly. Whereas, the root length of maize seedling was significantly affected by the weed part, amount of residue incorporation and duration of decomposition period and the shoot length and dry matter weight of maize seedling was also significantly affected by the weed part of C. benghalensis, amount of residue incorporation due to both weeds and duration of decomposition period due to D. stramonium 10 days after maize planting. Keywords: Allelopathy, Commelina benghalensis, Datura stramonium, Zea mays, residue decomposition

Inter-connection between land use/land cover change and herders’/farmers’ livestock feed resource management strategies: a case study from three Ethiopian eco-environments

AbstractWe assessed land use/land cover changes from remotely sensed satellite imagery and compared this with community perceptions on availability/use of livestock feed resources and feed deficit management strategies since the 1973s in three districts representing the pastoral, agro-pastoral and mixed crop-livestock eco-environments of Ethiopia. We found that land use/land cover changes are proceeding in all eco-environments and that transitions are from grasslands, and forest lands to bush/shrub lands and crop lands in the pastoral site (Liben), from bush/shrub lands and grasslands to crop lands in agro-pastoral site (Mieso) and from bush/shrub lands, forest lands and grasslands to crop lands in the mixed crop-livestock site (Tiyo). The changes significantly affected livestock feed resources and feed deficit management strategies available to households. Over the last 30–40 years, grazing resources available to livestock keepers have been declining with resultant increase in the contribution of crop residues and other feeds from crop lands (weeds and crop thinnings) as compared to feeds from grasslands. The feed deficit management strategies of households are also changing significantly from mobility to herd management and feed conservation in the pastoral areas; from mobility to feed conservation and purchasing of feed in the agro-pastoral areas and from transhumance to feed conservation and purchase of feed in the mixed crop-livestock areas. Hence feed resources and their availability vary with time and eco-environments indicating the need for the development of eco-environment/site specific feed management strategies in order to support productive stock in the study areas and similar eco-environments

Potential, Distribution, Ethno-botany and Tapping Procedures of Gum Producing Acacia Species in the Somali Region, Southeastern Ethiopia

A survey study was undertaken in eight districts of the Somali Region, southeastern Ethiopia to identify gum producing species; their distribution and abundance; gum-tapping practices; and local uses. Nine gum producing Acacia species; widely known by pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Region were identified. Dihun and Gerbo Districts in Fik Zone were the high potential areas for gum arabic (Acacia Senegal(L.) wild.) and gum talh (Acacia seyal Del.) production based on the abundance of the source species. Degahamedow District in Degahabur Zone was another promising gum production area following the Districts in Fik Zone. However, both A. senegal and A. seyal were abundantly found in all study Districts, with the former being the most abundant and widely distributed throughout the study Zones. The gum resource in the Somali Region appeared under-exploited due to lack of proper tapping and extraction skills in the area. Apart from gum tapping, the woody vegetation of the Region supports livestock production, mitigates desertification, ensures biodiversity maintenance, and provides immense non-wood forest products. Therefore, promotion of gum extraction in the Somali Region both for economic benefit of the community and sustainable management of the fragile ecosystem is recommended

Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen Stock Response to Traditional Enclosure Management in Eastern Ethiopia

Traditional enclosures are widely used by pastoralists in East Africa. However, the response of basic soil properties to the establishment of traditional enclosure management remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of traditional enclosure on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock in the Bordade rangelands, eastern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from twelve area enclosures and openly grazed areas at a depth of 0-30 cm. The samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and bulk density. There were significant differences between enclosure and openly grazed areas in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock. Enclosures had significantly more 27.5% soil organic carbon and 27.5% total nitrogen stock compared with the area outside area enclosure. Overall, the study showed that establishment of rangeland enclosures and the short-term resting period followed by dry season grazing at light stocking rate has the potential to improve soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock, which is an option for realizing positive vegetation changes that support the local pastoral economy in the semiarid rangelands of eastern Ethiopia