Performance of eucalyptus camadulensis dehnh. Var camadulensis provenances irrigated under conditions in Bura-Tana, Kenya

Abstract

Successful promotion of afforestation depends on selecting the most suitable species and provenances. In semi-arid areas where rainfall in less than 400 mm/year, Eucalypts do not thrive without irrigation. Twenty provenances of Euca~vptus carnaldulensis were tested under irrigated conditions to choose the best provenances for pole production in Bura region. The experimental design was randomized blocks with the provenances replicated four times. Each treatment had 25 trees in a 5 x 5 arrangement. Furrow irrigation method was used. Irrigation schedule was not consistently followed due to frequent breakdown of the water pumping machine. Height and diameter were measured from nine inner trees per plot whereas survival was determined by counting the surviving trees in the plot. Usable biomass was calculated using the existing biomass equation for Eucalyptus spp.The provenances from Isdell river, Pine hill, and Dunham river had the best performance with net Mean Annual lncrement (MAl) of 9.8, 7.6 and 6.1 m3 fha/year respectively. The poorest performance was by Palmer River with a net Mean Annual Increment (MAl) of I.Om'/ha/year. The best provenances are recommended for pole production on a large scale in the Bura region.