Impact of undergrowth, litter-raking and fire on physical and chemical properties of soil in small scale eucalyptus camaldulensis plantation in Ethiopia
2004
Biruktayet Assefa
The study was conducted in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia plantation to investigate the impacts of undergrowth, litter-raking and fire on the status of major soil nutrients and soil physical and chemical properties in small scale eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) plantation. Soil samples undergrowth, burnt, and heavily litter-raked sites were collected in the upper most 60 cm soil depth and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The data were analysed using one way analysis of variance and Scheffe's multiple contrast test. Bulk density did not show a significant difference between the treatments. Higher levels of active acidity were observed under burnt plot followed by undergrowth site;heavily litter-raked site showed lower pH i.e. acidic condition. Organic carbon, total nitrogen and potassium, and sulphur did not show significant difference between burnt and undergrowth sites. Total Ca and Mg were higher at the burnt site and lower at the litter-raked site. Exchangeable Ca, K and Mg were highest at the burnt plot followed by the undergrowth site and raked sites. The undergrowth site exhibited higher Ca/Mg ratio followed by burnt and litter-raked sites. The study showed that the differences in the plantation conditions had impact on top soil properties nutrient content. Differences in the subsoil could be attributed to site differences existing prior to planting. An important observation was that dense herbaceous undergrowth, which prevents topsoil erosion, could be attained in eucalyptus plantations, provided that there is no excessive grazing and litter-raking.
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