Morphological and Biomass Performance of Indigenous Agroforestry Tree Species Seedlings under Different Provenances at Nursery Level, in Central Ethiopia

Begashaw Mitiku; Fikiru Bafa

Abstract

Multipurpose trees are significantly important for climate change resistance in such a way that they contribute to both climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition, they have important economic and social benefits for the livelihoods of farmers and also have a considerable effect on the GDP of the country. Therefore, to improve species’ adaptation in specific, site genetics fitness is an important factor. Therefore, the objective of the research was to establish the proper provenance for each species. Indigenous multipurpose trees those are more common, important and have multipurpose were identified and their seeds were collected from different area and sowed in nursery, 10 cm by 8 cm (Height and Diameter) filled with soil 2:1:1 ratio of normal soil, organic soil and sand soil. The growth parameter like germination (%), survival after germination at nursery, height, RCD (root collar diameter), above and below ground biomass and branch number (leaf number) of seedlings were assessed. The result shows that in growth parameter Wondo genet and Halaba provenance for Cordia africana Lam., Arbaminch Zuria provenance for Acacia abyssinica and Dembi provenance for Faidherbia albida were performed significantly higher in two following years, respectively. Similarly, in above and below ground biomass of indigenous multipurpose tree Arbaminch Zuria, Wondo gent and Dembi provenances shows significant performance for Acacia abyssinica, Cordia africana and Faidherbia albida tree species. As a result, provenance variation have important effect on growth performance of those indigenous tree species. In spite of this Wondo genet, Arbaminch Zuria and Halaba are seed source for Cordia africana Lam., Acacia abyssinica and Faidherbia albida, respectively to produce seedling in Meskanwereda were recommended. This work is equally important for other area with similar and different tree species by considering outfield planting in addition to nursery leve

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