Evaluating Restoration Methods A Cross A Range of Plant Communities Dominated by Invasive Annual Grasses to Native Perennial Grasses

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine whether there are differences in plant community response to restoration methods & to create awareness among the pastoralists/ agro-pastoralists on how to restore degraded rangeland. Six treatments were established: (1) ripping, mulching and seeding (2) ripping, manuling and seeding (3) ripping, mulching, manuling and seeding (4) control. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with factorial and replicated three times in each plant community. Each treatment plot was 3m by 6m, and depending on the treatment assigned to the plot, measurements for the vegetations were taken from those plots. Seeds of perennials, large tufted and palatable grass species were selected for reseeding purpose i.e., Andropogon canaliculatus, Tetrapogon cenchriformis, Panicum coloratum and Chrysopogon plumolosus. The study was carried out over the last three rainy seasons from 2015/16 and 2017/ 2018. Data were collected from germination to dry matter yield within three years of the experimental years. Accordingly, the result showed as variation clearly observed among the restoration treatments to different plant community. There is a significant difference at (P<0.05) rangeland parameters collected in all Restoration methods in each seasons. A total of 18 species of grasses were identified in the study district. Of the grass species 11(61.1%) species were perennials and 7 (38.9%) species were annuals. In Perennial plant community with Restoration Methods of Ri+Ma+Mu+Se was significant difference at (P<0.05) in the three consecutive seasons in Biomass production. The highest Biomass production was observed in the third season of implementation time which was 2.37 ton/ha while the lowest biomass production was observed in the first season of implementation period in control one which was  1 ton/ha. In Mixed plant community with Restoration Methods of Ri+Ma+Mu+Se was significant difference at (P<0.05) in the three consecutive seasons in Biomass production. The highest Biomass production was observed in the third season of implementation time which was 1.75 ton/ha while the lowest biomass production was observed in the first season of implementation period  in control one which was 0.83 ton/ha.

Therefore, we conclude that from this finding, perennial plant community with Restoration methods of Ri+Ma+Mu+Se is more effective method to rehabilitate denuded rangeland areas in semi-arid areas and also Annual plant community with Restoration methods of Ri+Ma+Mu+Se has shown dramatic result to improved range resources within short period of time. However, continuous onsite training & practical demonstration was very crucial to enhance the adoption rate of those Restoration methods.

Keywords: Restoration Methods, plant community, Germination, Basal cover & Biomass Yield

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/9-19-01

Publication date:October 31^st 2019