Long-term growth performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cordia africana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grevillea robusta</Emphasis> trees in the Mount Kenya region

This study examined the long-term growth performance of Cordia africana and Grevillea robusta, which are the most common indigenous and exotic trees, respectively, associated with crops in the Mount Kenya region. Local farmers prefer G. robusta to C. africana as on-farm trees because they believe that G. robusta grows faster. Measurements of height and diameter at breast height were made of 47 C. africana and 89 G. robusta trees for which the age was established based on interviews with farmers. The oldest G. robusta and C. africana trees were 55 and 46 years old, respectively. The apical growth rate for G. robusta was greater than that for C. africana in Katheri (a humid area). The differences between the two species were less remarkable in Ruiri (a dry-subhumid area). There was no notable difference in the radial growth performance of the two species in Katheri and Ruiri. These comparisons suggest that the long-term growth performance of C. africana is not necessarily inferior to that of G. robusta.     

A climatic analysis method for expert systems assisting tree species introductions

There is a need for improved methods to suggest whether a particular tree species is worth testing at a new location. A method is proposed which compares the climatic similarity of a potential new location with conditions within a species natural distribution, and identifies if similar sites exist. When information is available, climatic comparisons can also be made with successful sites of introduction outside the natural range. A program is described which carries out these comparisons and Eucalyptus citriodora is analysed as an example. It is concluded that the method offers advantages over systems which describe climatic requirements simply as ranges of suitable conditions. The importance of soil factors is recognised and ways in which these could be analysed along with climatic factors are noted. The integration of the similarity analysis into existing databases or its development as part of a complete expert system are discussed.     

A Comparison of the Utility and Agronomic Traits of Indigenous and Exotic Trees in the Mount Kenya Region

On-farm indigenous (Cordia africana) and exotic (Grevillea robusta) tree species were compared in terms of the quality of their utility and their agronomic traits in the Meru Central district of Kenya. These two species are the most common indigenous and exotic trees, respectively, among the recorded 117 trees on farms. Interviews with farmers and collected documents on tree felling and planting showed that farmers considered C. africana to be more useful than G. robusta. However, farmers wanted to plant more G. robusta than C. africana because the easily established and fast growing G. robusta has a higher short-term contribution to the household economy. The advantages of C. africana, however, should be redefined in terms of its long-term contribution to farmers; C. africana contributes to farming more effectively than does G. robusta. The lower growth performance and relative difficulty in the establishment of C. africana can be compensated for by its higher timber quality and coppicing ability.     

Climatology of Acacia mearnsii. 1. Characteristics of natural sites and exotic plantations

Climatic variation in the natural distribution of Acacia mearnsii in Australia was analysed. Data from sites where the species has been successfully grown in plantations and trials in Africa, Asia and South America were used to determine the species' climatic adaptability. Annual mean temperatures at these plantations and trial sites ranged from 13.9 to 23.9°C, whilst annual mean precipitation ranged from 693 to 2263 mm. The coldest month minimum temperature at these sites was –0.6°C. This information, along with other details of climatic requirements presented in the paper, will assist in selecting sites for future trials at new locations.     

Promoting native trees in shade coffee plantations of southern India: comparison of growth rates with the exotic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grevillea robusta</Emphasis>

Traditional shade coffee plantations of Kodagu district, in the Western Ghats of southern India, harbor a high density and diversity of trees. Local farmers appreciate native biodiversity, but plantation economics and public policies drive them to gradually replace the original diversified cover with exotic shade trees such as Grevillea robusta, which grows fast and can be easily traded as timber. In order to identify and recommend native timber trees with fast growth rates, we compared the growth performance of four common native species against that of G. robusta, by fitting steel dendrometer bands on 332 shade trees. Results showed that in general G. robusta had the fastest growth rates, but large trees of the native Acrocarpus fraxinifolius had faster growth in the wet western side of the district. Computer projections of long term performance showed that most species were influenced by bioclimatic zone. Species-specific local environmental effects also occurred, including competition from coffee bushes for A. fraxinifolius, influence of aspect for G. robusta, and management block effects for Lagerstroemia microcarpa. Our results show that native species potentially could produce timber at rates equivalent to those of exotic species. However, as in many tropical countries, data on growth rates of native trees within mixed-cover plantations are scarce and this study underlines the urgent need to screen for fast-growing species. Such information provides a strong basis for recommending appropriate changes in public policies that would improve tree tenure security and encourage farmers to grow more native species.     

Physiological and NPK Studies for Developing Agrotechniques for SRHD Energy Plantations in the North-Western Himalayas

The study was undertaken to develop agrotechniques for raising short-rotation, high-density (SRHD) energy plantations as a renewable energy source by using planting densities of 10,000 and 14,000 plants/ha. Under Species × Spacing × Fertilizers (N:P:K), the effect of fertilizers was more evident on plant height than on stem diameter. The species as Grevillea robusta, Bauhinia variegata, and Eucalyptus showed the most statistically significant vertical and radial growth in both of the spacings. The N:P:K::50:25:25 kg/ha produced statistically significant growth. The photosynthesis rate, as recorded, showed that Salix tetrasperma had high rates of CO₂ assimilation but poor aerial growth.

The photosynthetic rate under varying fertilizer treatments remained unchanged, but the biomass improved significantly. In G. robusta, excellent aerial growth was observed despite a low rate of photosynthesis (even at low water potential). The dry weight of Eucalyptus was recorded (60 and 233 t/ha; spacing 1 m × 1 m and 1 m × 0.71 m) after 3 yr. After 10 yr, the highest dry weight was recorded again in Eucalyptus at 1,471.44 t/ha. The lowest moisture content (36–38%) was recorded in Morus alba, while the highest moisture content was recorded in Eucalyptus (66–70%). In all tested species, G. robusta (26%) showed the maximum calorific value.     

Niche analysis and tree species introduction

A method to determine the climatic requirements of tree species is outlined and related to the concept of multidimensional niche. The Bioclimate Prediction System devised by Nix, Busby and Hutchinson is used to analyse the bioclimatic component of the ‘realized niche’ of the species. The bioclimatic component of the ‘fundamental niche’ is then estimated using data from field trials outside the natural range. The method is demonstrated using the following eucalypt species: Eucalyptus citrodora, E. cladocalyx, E. fastigata, E. globulus spp. globulus, E. gomphocephala, E. grandis, E. maculata, E. paniculata, E. regnans, E. resinifera, E. robusta, E. sideroxylon and E. tereticornis. The bioclimates of their natural distributions in Australia are compared with conditions at trial sites in Africa. The method offers an explicit procedure for describing bioclimatic requirements and should assist the selection of appropriate species for trials.     

The root-knot nematode problem in sesbania fallows and scope for managing it in western Kenya

Sesbania (Sesbania sesban), which is promoted as a short-duration-fallow species in eastern and southern Africa, is an alternative host to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). Therefore, it is important to know the extent of sesbania infection by the nematode on farms and its effects to crops grown in rotation with sesbania. A survey of 14 farms in western Kenya indicated that sesbania was infected by root-knot nematode in all the farms. The potential to build up the nematode population was much greater on farms where maize (Zea mays) was previously intercropped with a susceptible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Screening of 30 single plant accessions of four sesbania provenances (Kakamega, Siaya, Kisumu, and Kisii) from western Kenya in pots indicated limited scope for selecting material resistant to the nematode. All four provenances were infested by the nematode, and they increased its population in soil and root. A rangewide collection of sesbania germplasm needs to be screened to determine the scope of finding nematode-resistant material. Transplanted seedlings produced in heat-sterilized, nematode-free soil showed less nematode infection than direct-seeded plants. However, both direct seeding and transplanting seemed to increase nematode population similarly. A number of Crotalaria spp. that were found resistant to nematodes can be considered as alternatives to sesbania-planted fallows, but further field-scale testing is necessary to select appropriate species based on biomass production. Among other species suitable for short-duration fallows, only pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and senna (Senna siamea) showed promise. Species such as neem (Azadirachta indica), casuarina (Casuarina junghuhniana), and grevillea (Grevillea robusta) that are suitable for boundary plantings were free from the root-knot nematode.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Assessment of small mammal diversity in coffee agroforestry in the Western Ghats,India

Coffee agroforestry is a conservation strategy that has shown promise to support the diversity of bird, bat, and insect communities, but few studies have focused on non-volant mammals in coffee farms. We assessed mammal diversity within coffee agroforestry systems in Kodagu, India and investigated the impacts of the non-native shade tree species, Grevillea robusta, on mammal diversity. Twenty farms, with varying amounts of G. robusta planted within the coffee farm, were sampled throughout three rainfall zones during the 4-month study period. We captured six species of small mammals, with indirect methods yielding an additional five species, totaling 11 mammal species. Contrary to current ecological thought, we found that increased amounts of G. robusta did not have a negative impact on either abundance or richness of mammals. Small mammal abundances were higher at farms with greater amounts of herbaceous ground cover and larger, mature shade trees, while small mammal species richness was found to increase with an increase in tree species richness as well as greater amounts of herbaceous ground cover. Additionally, small mammal abundance was higher at coffee farms closer to forested areas. Based on these findings, we suggest the maintenance or cultivation of shade tree richness, mature shade trees, and herbaceous ground cover within coffee farms and preservation of forested areas within the landscape to enhance coffee agroforestry habitat for non-volant mammals. We hope that these habitat requirements will be incorporated into conservation strategies for the promotion of biodiversity within coffee agroforestry systems.     

Modelling trees' effect on maize in the Grevillea Robusta + maize system in Central Kenya

In the Central Highlands on Kenya, Grevillearobusta (A. Cunn.) trees are commonly planted on maize (Zeamays L.) fields. This type of production system covers about 750 000ha in the highland area around Mt Kenya. Knowing the influence oftrees on maize yield would help to regulate the density and size distribution ofthe tree cover. The spatial distribution of trees varies from rather uniform toextremely aggregated patterns, calling for a spatial modelling approach. Thisstudy employed three different spatial competition index types to model theeffect of trees on the maize yield at a given location. The maize yield wasexpressed as a function of competition index, which was calculated from thediameters and distances of trees. The data were collected from 14 maize fields,and included measurements on 857 trees and 2514 one-m² maize plots. The models indicated that high competition by treesdecreases maize yields considerably, but at the field level the decrease issmall with normal tree stockings (about 200 trees per hectare). Characteristicto the models was low degree of explained variance, which was partly due to highsampling error in maize yield measurement and low variation in competition(places with high competition by trees were seldom planted with maize). One ofthe maize yield models was combined with an earlier simulation program forG. robusta. The simulator allows one to predict thetemporal development of any G. robusta – maize fieldin Central Kenya. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Diversity of naturally-regenerated native woody species in forest plantations in the Ethiopian highlands

Woody species diversity and ground layervegetation cover were studied in plantations ofPinus patula, Cupressus lusitanica,Grevillea robusta, and Juniperusprocera, and in surrounding natural forests inWondo Genet, Ethiopia. In the understory of theplantations, a total of 53 naturallyregenerated tree and shrub species belonging to31 families were recorded. Important indigenoustimber species were also represented. Treesaccounted for 72% of all naturally-regeneratedwoody plant species. On the average, 78% ofthe woody species found in plantations werealso found in the natural forest. There was nosignificant variation in understory woodyspecies richness among plantations. C.lusitanica plantations had a significantlyhigher abundance of woody species than those ofP. patula, but the difference wasnot significant in relation to J. procera,G. robusta and the adjacent natural forest.The herbaceous ground cover percentage in G. robusta and P. patula stands wasconsiderably higher than in C. lusitanicaand J. procera stands. Relative toplantations of other species, plantations ofthe native tree species J. procera hadhigher understory species richness, mediumwoody species abundance and low ground cover.Although there was a marked variation inoverstory plantation density, its effect onunderstory species richness and abundance wasnot significant. The density ofnaturally-regenerated woody species inplantations was over three times the usualplanting density in Ethiopia, indicating a highpotential of forest plantations for restoringthe natural forest ecosystems on degraded landsat a comparatively low cost.     

Gas exchange responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. africana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">G. robusta</Emphasis> to varying soil moisture content in semi-arid (Thika) Kenya

A dramatic decline in forest cover in eastern Africa along with a growing population means that timber and poles for building and fuelwood are in short supply. To overcome this shortage, the region is increasingly turning to eucalyptus. But eucalyptus raises environmental concerns of its own. Fears that it will deplete water supply, affect wildlife and reduce associated crop yields have caused many countries in the region to discourage farmers from planting this exotic. This paper is part of a series of investigations on the growth and water use efficiency of faster growing eucalyptus hybrids, which was introduced from South Africa to Kenya. The hypothesis is that the new hybrids are more efficient in using water and more suitable for the semi-arid tropics than existing eucalyptus and two popular agroforestry species. Gas exchange characteristics of juvenile Eucalyptus grandis (W. Hill ex Maiden), two eucalyptus hybrids (E. grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.), Grevillea robusta (A. Cunn) and Cordia africana (Lam) was studied under field and pot conditions using an infrared gas analyzer was used to measure photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), net photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (g _s) and transpiration rate (E) at CO₂ concentrations of 360 μmol mol⁻¹ and ambient humidity and temperature. A, E and g _s varied between species, being highest in eucalyptus hybrid GC 15 (24.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) compared to eucalyptus hybrid GC 584 (21.0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), E. grandis (19.2 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), C. africana (17.7 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and G. robusta (11.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). C. africana exhibited high E values (7.0 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) at optimal soil moisture contents than G. robusta (3.9 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and eucalyptus (5.3 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) in field experiment and G. robusta (3.2 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and eucalyptus (4.2 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) in pot-grown trees. At very low soil moisture content, extremely small g _s values were recorded in GC 15 and E. grandis (8 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and G. robusta (14 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) compared to GC 584 (46.9 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and C. africana (90.0 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) indicating strong stomatal control by the species. Instantaneous water use efficiency ranged between 3 and 5 μmol mmol⁻¹ and generally decreased with decline in soil moisture in pot-grown trees but increased with declining soil moisture in field-grown trees.     

Vegetative propagation of Ziziphus mauritiana var. Gola by micrografting and its potential for dissemination in the Sahelian Zone

The jujube tree (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Rhamnaceae family) is an exotic species which is commonly found in the Sahelian and Sudanian areas of Africa. A programme was undertaken in Senegal to introduce domesticated varieties and adapt them to the edaphic and climatic specificities of the Sahel. Research focussed on the ‘Gola’ variety, multiplied by an in vitro micrografting technique which is a miniaturisation of the apex splice, involving the aseptic grafting of miniature scions (5 to 10 mm long) onto the hypocotyl of seedlings in vitro. Studies reported here include the choice and preparation of rootstock, the micrografting technique, acclimation of the grafts, and transplantation to the field. The outcome of this research is the achievement of successful establishment of over 80% of the micrografts. However, more work is required to evaluate the transferability of the techniques through a study of their economic viability, as well as their acceptability to local people. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Variation of diverse sources of Cronartium flaccidum

Three pine species, each with different climatic requirements, were found to be susceptible to three collections of Cronartium flaccidum from sea level, hills, and mountains of central Italy. There was, however, a highly significant interaction between the three host species and rust collections from the different geographic areas.     

Species diversity and regeneration of old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta forests following gap formation

Diversity and regeneration of woody species were investigated in two ecological niches viz. gap and intact vegetation in old-growth seasonally dry Shorea robusta (Gaertn. f.) forests in Nepal. We also related varieties of diversity measures and regeneration attributes to gap characteristics. Stem density of tree and shrub components is higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation. Seedling densities of S. robusta and Terminalia alata (B. Heyne ex Roth.) are higher in the gap than in the intact vegetation, while contrary result is observed for T. bellirica (Gaertn. ex Roxb.) and Syzigium cumini (L. Skeels) in term of seedling density. The complement of Simpson index, Evenness index, and species-individual ratio in the seedling layer are lower in the gap than the intact vegetation. Gap size can explain species richness and species establishment rate. Gaps created by multiple tree falls in different years have higher seedling density of S. robusta than gaps created by single and/or multiple tree falls in the same year. In conclusion, gaps maintain species diversity by increasing seedling density, and favor regeneration of Sal forests. In addition to gap size, other gap attributes also affect species diversity and regeneration. Foundation Project: The study was supported by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).     

Experiences with tree fodders in temperate regions of Bhutan

Tree fodders are traditionally used in temperate and subtropical parts of Bhutan and provide approximately 20% of the fodder requirement of the country's livestock. Willow (Salix babylonica), Quercus semecarpifolia and Euonimus spp. were considered the most important species for temperate areas. Crude protein content of willow leaves decreased from 24.8.% in April to 11.3% in October. Bulls' voluntary intake was 77.7, 58.4, and 28.6 g DM/W^0.75 for willow, Popular robusta and Quercus semecarpifolia, respectively. Compared to temperate grasslands under the absence of phosphate inputs, tree fodders have a higher production potential and produce better quality fodder. Tree fodders may complement, but will not replace herbaceous fodder species in temperate areas. Assessment of yield potential in comparison to and in association with herbaceous temperate species is considered the most important research area.     

Green manures for maize—bean systems in eastern Uganda: Agronomic performance and farmers' perceptions

Researchers worked with farmers in eastern Uganda to develop alternatives for soil management using crotalaria (Crotalaria ochroleuca), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), lablab (Dolichos lablab), and canavalia (Canavalia ensiformis) as green manures in short-term fallows. The participatory research was part of a community-based approach for systems improvement. Grain yields of maize (Zea mays) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) following one season of crotalaria fallow were 41% and 43%, respectively, more than following a two-season weedy fallow. Grain yields of maize following a one-season fallow with mucuna and lablab were 60% and 50% higher, respectively, as compared with maize following maize. Maize and bean yield were more, although effects were small, during the second and third subsequent seasons, indicating probable residual effects of the green manures. Mucuna and lablab were successfully produced by intersowing into maize at three weeks after sowing maize, although the yields of the associated maize crop were reduced by 24% to 28%. Farmers estimated the labor requirements for mucuna and lablab to be less than for crotalaria. Farmers independently experimented on how these species can be integrated into banana (Musa spp.), coffee (Coffea robusta), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) production systems. Farmers reported that the beneficial effects of the green manures included higher food-crop yields; weed suppression; improved soil fertility, soil moisture, and soil tilth; and erosion control. Mucuna and lablab were preferred because of reduced labor requirements and increased net benefits compared with continuous cropping. Farmer participation in the green manure research resulted in efficient generation and adaptation of green manure technology now being promoted in eastern and central Uganda.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of Different Management Practices on Stand Composition and Species Diversity in Subtropical Forests in Nepal: Implications of Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation

In this article, we compared the structure, composition, and diversity of trees, shrubs and saplings, seedlings and herbaceous species of community- and government-managed forests in the lowlands of eastern Nepal. Results suggest that among the trees, the community forest was dominated by a single species, Shorea robusta. However, Shorea robusta and Terminalia myriocarpa were codominant in the government forest. Tree density and basal area were higher in the government forest, but shrub/sapling density and basal area were higher in the community forest, suggesting a positive effect of community management on tree regeneration. Overstory species assemblages showed an obvious compositional difference between the forests, but understory species assemblages were less obvious. Plot-level tree and shrub/sapling species richness was higher in the government forest than the community forest. However, seedling-herbaceous species richness was higher in the community forest. The dominance of Shorea robusta trees in the community forest suggests that people involved in managing forests may be more interested in a limited number of economically valuable species while removing less important trees. Such preferential management practices may increase resource heterogeneity within a forest and maintain species diversity in the understory. Thus, community participation in forest management should be encouraged, with guided management techniques and exercises, to achieve maximum forest recovery, provide sustainable ecosystem services, and maintain forest diversity.