Growth performance evaluation of multipurpose tree and shrub species for promotion of agroforestry practice at bore district, guji zone, southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted at Bore Agricultural Research Center, on station. The objective of this study was to identify the best adaptable agro forestry multipurpose tree and shrub species for the study area. Seedlings of multipurpose tree and shrub species were out planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A plot size of 13mx7m was used for each multipurpose tree and shrub species selected for this study. A plot consisted of three rows of multipurpose trees, on each row three multipurpose trees were planted and each plots had nine multipurpose trees. Based on the objective of this study, quarterly the following parameters such as survival rate, tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were recorded until the end of the study. The results of this study revealed that, multipurpose tree and shrub species such as Acacia abysinica, Grevillia robusta, Hagenia abysinica, Acacia saligna and Pinus patula had the highest survival rate at the study site. In addition, their survival rate were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Cordia africana, Susbania acculeta and Leuceana leococephala multipurpose tree species. However, from all multipurpose tree and shrub species selected for this study Leuceana Leococephala was shown poor survival rate. The reason low survival of Leucaena leucocephala was observed at study site was due to agroecology of the study site was not suitable for the species. The height data recorded by the end of the experiment revealed that there were not significance (P<0.05) differences in height were viewed between Acacia saligna, Acacia abysinica,Grevillia robusta and Hagenia abysinica multipurpose tree and shrub species and all the tree species were attained the highest mean value respectively. However, Cordia africana, Susbania acculeta and Leucaena leucocephala were multipurpose tree and shrub species achieved the lowest mean value respectively.Diameter at breast height (DBH) data recorded at the end of this study showed that, Acacia abysinica and Acacia saligna were the tree species attained the highest mean values of DBH and Grevillea robusta, Pinus patula, Hagenia abysinica and Susbania acculeta attained medium mean values of DBH. However, from multipurpose tree and shrub species selected for this study, Cordia africana and Leuceana Leococephala had the lowest value of DBH. Generally, these findings could be used to promote those adapted promising native and exotic multipurpose tree and shrub species for promotion of agroforestry practice. Moreover, it can help all stake holders to properly allocate species into the site that grow and adapt well.