Performance of trees planted using microcatchments in Bura-Tana

Abstract

The study was carried out to identify appropriate methods of establishing trees in dry areas. The methods tried include rectangular, shallow and deep V-shaped microcatchments. The rectangular microcatchment gave the best results while the shallow V-shaped ones gave the worst results. The results showed that all the methods improved tree establishment. Cordia sinensis, Acacia homda, Acacia nilotica, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia zanzibarica, Commiphora paolii and Prosopis juliflora are the species which performed well under the tried microcatchments. For large scale utilization of these structures, further modification is required, particularly to provide cheaper alternatives.