Assessment of Soil Seedbank Composition of Woody Species in Hgumbirda National Forest Priority Area, Northeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Detail study on soil seedbank composition and regeneration potential is needed for Ethiopian forests. In present work, soil seedbank assessment of woody plant species was made in Hgumbirda national forest priority area so as to evaluate composition and estimate their regeneration status. A total of 36 quadrates were established in selected four sites of the forest. The quadrates (20 m x 20 m) were laid along line transects. Soil samples were collected from sub-quadrates measuring 10 cm x 10 cm. Composition and status were determined by direct count and seedling emergence  technique. Results showed the presence of seeds of 19 plant species in the soil. Juniperus procera had the highest viable seed density. Only  Afrocarpus falcatus seeds were non-viable although very abundant  (266.7seeds/m2). Except Cupressus lusitanica, no exotic woody species were found. The Shannon diversity index demonstrated low value for soil seedbank in Hgumbirda NFPA (H’=1.763). There was also significant variation of seed distribution between soil layers of the four selected forest sites (p<0.05). Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity between the standing vegetation and soil seedbank showed low value (JCS = 0.21 - 0.43). From the results, appropriate management strategies including preparation of nursery sites for selected indigenous plant species is suggested.