The study was conducted
on investigating effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on the performance of adjacent crop productivity for the benefits over adverse effects
of it versus different land uses in district Mecha of Western Amhara region, Ethiopia.
This research was carried out with the aim to test
the performance of neighbouring crops grown near E. camaldulensis on the
effects on plant growth performance and grain yield. Eucalypts has many important
uses and a reliable source of cash income for farm households. Despite the apparent
benefits, there have been public reactions against Eucalyptsplanting,
and of course the growers insist on planting for it is fast growing and biomass production. A simple plot experiment was laid
away from tree stand replicated three times to each field for both crops
to understand the effect of Eucalypts
on adjacent crop productivity at different locations and random samples were taken.
SAS (version 9) and descriptive statistics were employed. The study through key
informants’ interview assured that most local farmers perceived the effect of Eucalyptson field crop performance
nearby it. Crop yield and yield components showed a reduction from tree stand. Plant
biomass, height, plant count, and grain yield of Zea mays and Panicum miliaceum decreased with distance to Eucalypts
stand. Maize grain yield and biomass reduction was around 6.6 and 15 fold
difference from tree stand to 20 m (control) sampling points respectively;
whereas, for finger millet, grain yield difference was around 2.9 fold from
tree stand. Yield and yield parameters suppression were ended at a distance of 14
to 20 m away from tree stand. This was not significantly (P < 0.05) different
in yield and biomass between 20 and 25 m. Therefore,
poor performances of adjacent crops, particularly the most important parameter
grain yield, were due to competition for growth resources between Eucalypts and
adjacent food crops. The scientific research has also confirmed the potential effect
of Eucalypts on adjacent crops cultivated side by side. Altogether, it is recommended
that field crops should be cultivated as far an average distance greater to
about 20 m (center of farm) from Eucalyptus stand. Moreover, when planted on farms, Eucalypts
should be restricted to sites where neighbouring crop productivity will
not be adversely influenced.
Cite this paper
Alebachew, M. , Amare, T. and Wendie, M. (2015). Investigation of the Effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on Performance of Neighbouring Crop Productivity in Western Amhara, Ethiopia. Open Access Library Journal, 2, e992. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1100992.
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