Effect of Temporary Shade Tree Species on Growth Performance of Newly Transplanted Arabica Coffee Seedlings at Jimma

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Centre (JARC) with an objective to investigate the effect of various temporary shade tree species on survival rate, early growth performance and field establishment of Arabica coffee seedlings between 2008 and 2014 cropping season. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. The treatment consisted of temporary shade tree species vis. Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp)Tephrosia sp. Caster bean,Leucaena sp., Sesbania sesbane, grass hat (‘’Gojo’’) and open plot as a control. Coffee seedlings were raised using a CBD resistant coffee cultivar, 74110 following the recommended nursery management practices. Each experimental plot constituted of 12 coffee seedlings planted at 2m by 2m spacing. Seeds of pigeon pea,Tephrosia, Caster bean,Luecnea and Sesbania sesbanewhich were collected and prepared have been sown between coffee rows in east and west directions so as to protect seedlings from morning and afternoon sun injury. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) variations were detected among treatments for nearly all growth parameters studied. Accordingly, almost all distractive and non-distractive growth parameters were considerably affected by temporary shade treatment. In general grass hat treatment followed by Sesbania sesban showed best growth performance of coffee seedlings. Thus areas with ample rainfall or soil moisture Sesbania sesban and Pigeon pea can be used as temporary shade for coffee seedlings if planted under wider spacing (4 m x 4 m) sesbania sesban and (2 m x 2 m) pigeon pea so as to reduce their competition effect with young coffee tree for climatic and soil resources.

Keywords: - inter row, intra row, temporary shade tree and transplanted seedlings