Effect of micro-catchment size on survival and growth of two semiarid tree species.
Date
2000Author
Gichuki, FN
Mungai, DN
Gachene, CKK
Type
Book chapterLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The effects of three different micro-catchment sizes on survival and growth of plant species was assessed and success in establishment and growth of Croton megalocarpus and Cassia spectabilis was compared in a semi-arid region of Kitui District, Kenya. Both species were planted in 25 x 25 cm, 45 x 45 cm, and 65 x 65 cm spherical micro-catchments. Height and diameter were measured and a survival count was taken. Results show that then micro-catchment size influenced (P>0.05) lateral growth of both species. Lateral growth of C. spectabilis in the smaller two micro-catchments (3.66 and 4.60 cm, resp.) was not significantly different (P>0.05), but was less than in the largest micro-catchment(5,31 cm). These results indicate that the two species are suitable for afforestation in these areas and that their survival is not limited by provision of a catchment in the area.
Citation
Nyandiga, C. O., Nyambati, R. O., Gichuki, F. N., Mungai, D. N., Gachene, C. K. K., & Thomas, D. B. (2000). Effect of micro-catchment size on survival and growth of two semiarid tree species. In Land and water management in Kenya: towards sustainable land use. Proceedings of the Fourth National Workshop, Kikuyu, Kenya, 15-19 February, 1993. (pp. 249-251). Soil and Water Conservation Branch, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.Publisher
University of Nairobi, college of agriculture and veterinary sciences,