The influence of woody plants and livestock grazing on grass species composition, yield and soil nutrients in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia

Ebro, Abule; Smit, G.N.; Snyman, H.A.

doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.04.006

Cited by 91 publications

(81 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Moreover, in such arid rangeland, trees provide better protection of herbaceous groundcover. In addition, the greater plant cover under canopied areas has a positive effect on fertility and water balance of soil, further creating a better microclimate for palatable perennial species with a high water-use efficiency, OM decomposition and nutrient dynamics (Abule et al 2005;Snyman 2005). This better performance in plant cover and DM yield from arid grassland has been reported by other researchers in tropical and subtropical conditions (Abule et al 2005;Snyman 2005; Abdallah et al 2008).…”

Section: Plant Cover and Dry Matter Yieldmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

Gemeda

Hassen

2014

Crop Pasture Sci.

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Abstract. This study characterised 16 tropical perennial grass species in terms of in vitro methane output and related their digestibility and rumen fermentation with methane output. The grass samples were collected, dried in a forced oven, and ground and analysed for nutrient composition. In vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were determined using rumen fluid collected, strained and anaerobically prepared. A semi-automated system was used to measure gas production through in vitro incubation at 398C. Anthephora argentea and Stipagrostis ciliate produced the highest concentration of methane in terms of g kg -1 digestible dry matter (DDM) and g kg -1 digestible organic matter (IVOMD). Cenchrus ciliaris, Setaria verticillata and Panicum coloratum produced the lowest (P < 0.05) methane when expressed in terms of g kg -1 DDM and g kg -1 IVOMD. Ash, ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrate, neutral and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen, and crude protein were negatively correlated with methane production. Methane production positively correlated with neutral and acid detergent fibre, cellulose and hemicellulose. It is important to focus on screening and selecting perennial grass with higher nitrogen content and low methane production to mitigate methane production under tropical conditions.

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Section: Plant Cover and Dry Matter Yieldmentioning

confidence: 99%

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

Gemeda

Hassen

2014

Crop Pasture Sci.

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“…Their findings restrict these differences, however, to lightly grazed sites. Additionally, significant differences in soil characteristics, underneath vs away from the tree/shrub canopies, in lightly grazed areas were found [14]. While in our study, the grazing history is unknown but heavy camel grazing has been a wide spread practice in the area.…”

Section: The Effects Of Tree Speciesmentioning

confidence: 59%

“…It is strongly believed, therefore, that while the dominant shrub species contribute to SOM, but a substantial part of this contribution may be the result of the associated species that grow in soils where A. tortilis or C. procera dominate. The associated species contributed to soil fertility in soils dominated with A. tortilis in Ethiopia [14]. Acacia tortilis has also been reported to improve associated species in desert ecosystems [9,13].…”

Section: The Effects Of Tree Speciesmentioning

confidence: 96%

<i>Acacia trotilis</i> and <i>Calotropis procera</i>: Do They Substantially Promote Soil Carbon Sequestration?

Ksiksi

2012

OJSS

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Very little is known about the type and mix of desert plant species and their management to optimize carbon sequestration in desert ecosystems. Overgrazing is one important practice that affects soil carbon cycling and therefore sequestration. Improving soil carbon in desert ecosystems may be best through the use of native trees and shrubs. Acacia tortilis and calotropis procera are two important species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The former is a native species that improves biodiversity and the latter is not native and has been reported to be an indicator of overgrazing. The average soil organic matter (SOM) content was higher in soils dominated by A. tortilis when compared to those dominated by C. procera; 2.98 and 1.34; respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, A. tortilis leaves had a higher OM content than C. procera leaves (94.1% and 90.6%; respectively). The higher OM content of A. tortilis leaves explains the higher contribution of this species to the overall soil organic matter inputs. There was also a significant effect of shrub species on total SOC (P < 0.05). A total of about 14.7 tons of SOC were added per hectare in the areas dominated by A. tortilis. While only about 6.6 tons of SOC were added to the areas dominated by C. procera. In short, it is believed that both species substantially promote soil carbon sequestration. Some significant superiority of the native A. tortilis has been shown. But much has to be done to investigate the mix of plant species that promote the best soil carbon sequestration in the desert areas. Further studies are required in order to assess temporal as well as spatial variations in soil carbon sequestration in the UAE deserts. This will certainly help, in addition to other practices, in mitigating CO 2 emission.

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“…Al efecto del arbolado sobre las estructura de los pastizales hay que añadir el importante efecto ocasionado por el pastoreo de grandes herbívoros silvestres y ganado doméstico, sobre todo vacuno (Kho et al 2001, Clarke 2003, Abule et al 2005, Dorrough et al 2006, Barnes et al 2009). La presencia de estos herbívoros condiciona también la dinámica de regeneración natural del bosque y la vegetación bajo el dosel , Cavieres y Fajardo 2005, Asner et al 2009).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Bases ecológicas para implementar un sistema de uso silvopastoral en la región patagónica de Aysén, Chile

Sánchez-Jardón

2013

ECOS

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A Carmen Badía, que se habría ido conmigo al fin del mundo (y habría traído a muchos más) AgradecimientosEste trabajo se ha realizado con financiación de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, mediante una beca-contrato para personal investigador en formación, y de la Fundación Biodiversidad a través del proyecto 'Caracterización ecológica y agronómica de la interacción bosque-pradera, para la elaboración de un modelo sostenible de explotación silvopastoral en la región de Aysén (Chile)'. Este proyecto fue fruto de la colaboración de los investigadores José Manuel de Miguel, Miguel Ángel Casado y Belén Acosta en España, y Alejandro del Pozo y Carlos Ovalle en Chile.Ellos me invitaron a participar en el mismo. Su visión experimentada de los sistemas silvopastorales mediterráneos encontró un nuevo desafío en la Patagonia. Este enfoque sorprendió a los expertos agrónomos y forestales locales, y me proporcionó el entusiasmo para realizar esta tesis.Aquella invitación y este entusiasmo fueron sólo el principio. Durante el proceso he aprendido de todos y cada uno de los 'ecólogos con fronteras', les estoy enormemente agradecida por la oportunidad brindada y por su apoyo y dedicación. En especial, a mis directores José Manuel de Miguel y Alejandro del Pozo, que han compartido conmigo su conocimiento y su experiencia. Las discusiones han sido interesantes siempre, y los encuentros y desencuentros han resultado fundamentales para la consecución de los objetivos propuestos en este trabajo.En Chile, los agrónomos Christian Hepp Kuschel y Hernán Felipe Elizalde del centro regional de investigación del Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias en Chile (INIA) Tamel Aike también participaron en el proyecto. Ellos me proporcionaron el espacio en el laboratorio, la movilización diaria al centro desde Coyhaique y, desde allí, a la punta del cerro, así como el apoyo logístico y académico necesario para la ejecución de los muestreos y demás tareas de campo. Les estoy muy agradecida por su amable acogida y por hacerme partícipe de la cotidianidad de Tamel Aike.Respecto al apoyo logístico, la participación de Nicolás Romero Sandoval en los muestreos del primer año fue crucial. Su pericia facilitó el establecimiento de las parcelas, los muestreos de suelo, la instalación y supervisión del experimento (fallido) para evaluar el banco de semillas, los muestreos de biomasa de todo el año, la rotación de los animales, y permitió superar con éxito las adversidades del trabajo de campo, siempre con buen humor y sobre todo con un profundo respeto por las condiciones impuestas por la naturaleza, que son difíciles de ignorar en la Patagonia. Sin camioneta, en moto o en caballo, o andando. No me olvido de las mil horas separando la biomasa, de la abuelita, el perejil, el puma. Lo que aprendí con Nicolás no es parte explícita de esta memoria pero está detrás de cada dato y me ha permitido funcionar en lo sucesivo, y empezar a comprender la realidad de esta región remota.El resto del personal de Tamel Aike también me acompañó y me apoyó en lo pos...

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The influence of woody plants and livestock grazing on grass species composition, yield and soil nutrients in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia

Cited by 91 publications

References 28 publications

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

<i>Acacia trotilis</i> and <i>Calotropis procera</i>: Do They Substantially Promote Soil Carbon Sequestration?

Bases ecológicas para implementar un sistema de uso silvopastoral en la región patagónica de Aysén, Chile

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The influence of woody plants and livestock grazing on grass species composition, yield and soil nutrients in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia

Cited by 91 publications

References 28 publications

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

In vitro fermentation, digestibility and methane production of tropical perennial grass species

&lt;i&gt;Acacia trotilis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Calotropis procera&lt;/i&gt;: Do They Substantially Promote Soil Carbon Sequestration?

Bases ecológicas para implementar un sistema de uso silvopastoral en la región patagónica de Aysén, Chile

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Product

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<i>Acacia trotilis</i> and <i>Calotropis procera</i>: Do They Substantially Promote Soil Carbon Sequestration?