Selecting Adapted Tree and Shrub Species for Rehabilitating Degraded Drylands in Northeastern Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/70qpzy87Abstract
Climate change threatens forests and ecosystems. Introducing adaptable trees and shrubs can mitigate impacts. This study aimed to assess and evaluate different native and exotic species for rehabilitating degraded, moisture-stressed areas in Northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected quarterly over four years to investigate the rehabilitation and moisture stress conditions in the study areas. The results of the study showed that the root collar diameter, height, DBH, and survival rates were measured to evaluate species suitability for restoration. There were significant differences between the species in terms of height, root collar diameter, and survival. In the low-altitude at P<0.05 level. Acacia saligna and Leucaena glabrata recorded the highest heights and root collar diameters, respectively, while L. glabrata (95.5%), Dodonea angustifolia (91.6%), and Ziziphus spina christii (75%) showed the highest survival rates. Cordia Africana (85.4%) and A. saligna (73.1%) had the highest mid-altitude survival rates. Top-performing species in diameter and height growth showed higher survival rates. Poor performers included C. equisetifolia, J. curcas, and S. sesban (low altitude) and H. abyssinica and O. africana (high altitude). The study found no significant differences in performance between native and exotic species. Instead, the adaptive capacity of the species varied based on drought tolerance during dry seasons. Species with the highest growth and survival metrics in each agroecology are recommended for the study areas and similar regions. Sustainable forest restoration requires continuous selection of resilient trees and shrubs.
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