Evaluation of early growth performance of Juniperus procera and Afrocarpus falcatus seedlings under different spacing regimes
Deforestation in Ethiopia hinders sustainable forest management, with afforestation and reforestation often favoring non-native tree species. Planting native timber trees is crucial but in the past silvicultural knowledge hinder their widespread adoption. This study evaluated three spacing treatment...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IOP Publishing
2025-01-01
|
| Series: | Environmental Research Communications |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/adec44 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Deforestation in Ethiopia hinders sustainable forest management, with afforestation and reforestation often favoring non-native tree species. Planting native timber trees is crucial but in the past silvicultural knowledge hinder their widespread adoption. This study evaluated three spacing treatments (2 m x2 m, 2.5 m × 2.5 m, and 3 m × 3 m) on the early growth of economically and ecologically important native Juniperus procera (Cupressaceae) and Afrocarpus falcatus (Podocarpaceae) at the Holeta research site using a randomized complete block design. Seedling survival, height, root collar diameter, and diameter at breast height were monitored. Spacing did not significantly affect seedling survival, height, or root collar diameter in either species. However, the significantly enhanced diameter at breast height observed for Juniperus procera at ages 3 and 4 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01) and for A. falcatus at age 3 (p = 0.009) under 2.5 m × 2.5 m spacing indicates that this medium spacing is optimal for promoting early diameter growth at the study location. Further research on long-term effects and a comprehensive economic and ecological assessment is needed for sustainable management of these valuable native tree species. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2515-7620 |