Native Woody Species Regeneration in Exotic Tree Plantations at Munessa-Shashemene Forest, Southern Ethiopia

Native Woody Species Regeneration in Exotic Tree Plantations at Munessa-Shashemene Forest, Southern Ethiopia

background

This study investigates native woody species regeneration in 4 exotic species monoculture plantations in Munessa-Shashemene Forest Project Area in southern Ethiopia. The plantation ages ranged from 9 to 28 years.

Research Goals & Methods

To sample for vegetation diversity and analyses of floristic composition, species richness, and abundance, 60 sample plots were established in the study area.  48 of these plots were in plantations and 12 were in adjacent natural forests.

Conclusions & Takeaways

55 woody species were identified in plantation stands, 7 of which were found in all plantations and 27 woody species in the adjacent natural stands. The highest number of species per plot was found under the Cupressus lusitanica stand of 9 years old and Eucalyptus saligna stand of 27 years old (which is actually third rotation / coppice). Comparing similarity between the plantations and adjacent forests the E. saligna stand exhibited the highest similarity whilst the other plantations showed the least similarity. The most common tree species found in the plantation understory were Celtis africana, Croton macrostachyus, Podocarpus falcatus and Prunus africanaThis suggests that monoculture plantations can capture and enhance plant diversity of the original forest types. However, it is important that these plantations have seed sources close to natural forests to aid in regeneration of native species in the understory of exotic plantations.

 

Reference: 

Senbeta F, Teketay D, Näslund B-Å. Native woody species regeneration in exotic tree plantations at Munessa-Shashemene Forest, southern Ethiopia. New Forests. 2002;24:131–145. doi:10.1023/a:1021201107373.

Affiliation: 

  • Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia