Impact of Enclosure on Plant Species Composition and Biomass Production in Ewa Woreda of Afar Region State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to know the impact of enclosure on plant covers dynamics and biomass production in Ewa district. A total of 13 species of grasses, 2 species of legumes, and 4 species of other herbaceous plants were identified in both grazing areas. Of the grass species, 15.3%, 30.8%, 38.6% and 15.3% were highly desirable, desirable, less desirable and undesirable respectively. The grass species dominant in communal grazing areas were Chryspogon plumolosus (22.1%) and Tragus beteronianus (20.6%) whereas Cenchrus ciliaris (21.2%) was dominant in the enclosure area. A higher (P<0.05) total grass biomass production and total herbaceous biomass production were obtained in the enclosure areas than in communal grazing areas while in case of non-grass biomass production, there was no any significant different (P<0.05) between the two grazing areas. In general, the result showed that in species composition and biomass production communal grazing areas have deteriorated which may need an immediate intervention, while the enclosure areas need a sustainable conservation of their present condition by considering alternative management that allows selectively and carefully timed utilization.