Evaluating the survival rate, growth performance, and adaptation potential of (Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.)) Munro under different management practices at the plantation site of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Bamboo, a fast-growing giant grass, typically begins yielding within three to four years of planting. Despite Ethiopia's abundant bamboo resources, many suitable dryland areas remain uncultivated, particularly in the eastern lowlands. This study, conducted from 2011 to 2014 at the Dire Dawa plantation site, evaluated the adaptation and growth performance of lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) and identifies effective management practices for this region. A total of 162 bamboo seedlings were cultivated using three soil mix types: Treatment 1 (T1) with a 3:2:1 ratio of local soil, animal manure, and sand; Treatment 2 (T2) with a 3:2 ratio of local soil and animal manure (without sand); and Treatment 3 (T3) with a 6:2 ratio of local soil and animal manure (without sand). After four months in the nursery, seedlings were selected based on growth performance and transplanted with (W1) and without mulch (WO). The experiment followed a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were analyzed using SPSS software. There were no significant differences in survival and adaptability across soil mix types and mulching treatments, although variations in growth were observed. T2 demonstrated superior performance in shoot emergence, culm height and root collar diameter, while T3 exhibited the lowest growth. Based on these findings, the 3:2 soil mix is recommended for optimal bamboo growth in Dire Dawa and similar agro-ecologies, with consistent watering during the first three months post-plantation to ensure successful establishment.