Rehabilitation of Kerrib Lands in Upper Atbara River using Indigenous Trees and Water Harvesting Techniques

Abstract

Trials were conduct at Elshowak area during2003 season to test the use of "U" shape and "L" shape micro water harvesting technique to grow Acacia tortilis subspecies raddiana, Acacia mellifera, Acacia seyal, Zisyphus spina christi, Moringa oleifera and Balanites aegyptiaca in an area affected by gully erosion. Survival rate trials showed that these species except Moringa oleifera can be established using micro water harvesting technique. Field trials showed that "U" shape micro-catchment have better results in terms of survival rate than control through increasing moisture content. Also field trial showed promising results that, 30%, 21.4% and 15.2% survival rates for A.tortilis A.mellifera and Zizyphus spina christi respectively when compared to control that obtained zero percent.