Ecology and importance of Faidherbia albida as browse tree in agroforestry systems at Zalingei area

Abstract

In this study, the ecology and importance of F.albida are investigated. The location covers north and west Azum and Aribo wadis of Zalingei . The study was conducted during the period July 2003 to May 2004. The study included covers tree density, ages class of trees (diameter at breast height) and natural regeneration survey. Four sites were selected in the location and systematic circular line plots were used to collect data on the above mentioned aspects. The questionnaires were carried out for the herders, farmers and citizens in the importance of F. albida as browse trees. No significant difference was found in tree density as well as in age classes (dbh). Eleven trees per ha was the average density indicating very low density which show stand deterioration. 94 cm is the average age class of tree (dbh). Significant difference was reached out concerning natural regeneration of F.albida .Absence of new regeneration is attributed to different reasons like crop culivattion, grazing, drought, fires, weed competition and other agents. Groups of farmers and herders were interviewed. 93% of them agreed upon the time of browse as summer, that continues for three months. 94% of the interviewers said that browsing concentrate on leaves and pods. 97% of the target groups agreed upon the fact of the preference of browsing animals to Haraz more than the Heglig. 92% said that crop cultivated inside F.albida forest gives more production and animal grazing on F. albida produce more milk. 68% of them agreed on popular medicine.