Comparative growth performance of fast-growing tree species for woodfuel production in highland area of Ethiopia

Abstract

Biomass fuel is the most important source of energy in Ethiopian highlands where the fuelwood demand is high. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of eleven tree species for fuelwood production in Diksis Woreda, Oromiya region of Ethiopia. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was employed for the purpose. Survival count, root collar diameter growth, height and Diameter at breast height measurements (DBH) measured annually until six year since the time of planting. A one way ANOVA was performed and treatments separation were made by using Least Significance Difference (LSD) Fisher Tests (P≤ 0.05). Eucalyptus saligna showed maximum survival (98%), followed by E. grandis (89%), E. camaldulensis (87%), E. globulus (86%) and Acacia decurrens (83%); while the lowest survival rate was recorded for Schinus molle (37%). Most of the Eucalyptus species showed good growing performances both in height and in DBH. The highest average DBH growth registered for Eucalyptus saligna and the age-height graphs on the other hand indicate that Eucalyptus viminalis is the fastest growing in height followed by E. globulus and E. saligna respectively. The wood volume estimation six year after planting also showed significant differences among the six most selected species and E. globulus showed the highest significant overall mean stem volume, with the exceptional of E. saligna and E. viminalis. Thus, these species recommended for fuelwood plantations in the area. However, an ecological based study on the species effects in highlands recommended before using for large-scale fuelwood plantations.