Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya

The site suitability assessment of Bamboo in Kenya was studied for diverse agroecological zones (AEZs) comprising one indigenous and fifteen exotic bamboo species in nine different AEZs of Kenya. Three bamboo clumps from each species that were at least five years old were assessed to accurately capt...

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Main Authors: Tarun Kumar Lohani, Gordon Sigu, Nellie Oduor, Selim Reza, Jayaraman Durai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2023-01-01
Series:International Journal of Forestry Research
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8859316
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author Tarun Kumar Lohani
Gordon Sigu
Nellie Oduor
Selim Reza
Jayaraman Durai
author_facet Tarun Kumar Lohani
Gordon Sigu
Nellie Oduor
Selim Reza
Jayaraman Durai
author_sort Tarun Kumar Lohani
collection DOAJ
description The site suitability assessment of Bamboo in Kenya was studied for diverse agroecological zones (AEZs) comprising one indigenous and fifteen exotic bamboo species in nine different AEZs of Kenya. Three bamboo clumps from each species that were at least five years old were assessed to accurately capture data on growth performance and yield. Soil samples collected at 0–30 cm depth from different areas varied considerably. The proportion of soil varied across the bamboo planting sites (F(1,11) = 24.94; p < 0.001), soil pH in the planting sites varied significantly (F(1,11) = 13.92; p < 0.001), and soil bulk densities had different results (F(1,11) = 13.92; p < 0.001). The lowest bulk density (0.61 ± 0.01) was recorded in Kakamega (UM1), while the highest (1.63 ± 0.01) was reported in Gede. Data on characteristics of clumps and internode length and wall thickness integrated through GenStat statistical software using ANOVA entail a huge variation in growth performance for each bamboo species across planting sites. Morphological characters were also studied in detail. The mean height, diameter, and stocking density were comparatively lower even in elevated zones that were only 200 m below its natural range. This resulted in an extremely low yield, which is not viable for economic investment. The species is unsuitable for plantation establishment outside its natural range of 2300 m–3200 m above the sea level (a.s.l.). Plantation below this range will not dissipate but will not attain a healthy growth. The primary use will be restricted for ornamental and conservation purposes such as scaffolding, roof construction, and fabrication of basic household furniture.
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spelling doaj.art-0146f4f7e8bd4d06902def46cae2d6f92023-09-27T00:00:01ZengHindawi LimitedInternational Journal of Forestry Research1687-93762023-01-01202310.1155/2023/8859316Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of KenyaTarun Kumar Lohani0Gordon Sigu1Nellie Oduor2Selim Reza3Jayaraman Durai4FHWREKenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)International Organization of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)International Organization of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)The site suitability assessment of Bamboo in Kenya was studied for diverse agroecological zones (AEZs) comprising one indigenous and fifteen exotic bamboo species in nine different AEZs of Kenya. Three bamboo clumps from each species that were at least five years old were assessed to accurately capture data on growth performance and yield. Soil samples collected at 0–30 cm depth from different areas varied considerably. The proportion of soil varied across the bamboo planting sites (F(1,11) = 24.94; p < 0.001), soil pH in the planting sites varied significantly (F(1,11) = 13.92; p < 0.001), and soil bulk densities had different results (F(1,11) = 13.92; p < 0.001). The lowest bulk density (0.61 ± 0.01) was recorded in Kakamega (UM1), while the highest (1.63 ± 0.01) was reported in Gede. Data on characteristics of clumps and internode length and wall thickness integrated through GenStat statistical software using ANOVA entail a huge variation in growth performance for each bamboo species across planting sites. Morphological characters were also studied in detail. The mean height, diameter, and stocking density were comparatively lower even in elevated zones that were only 200 m below its natural range. This resulted in an extremely low yield, which is not viable for economic investment. The species is unsuitable for plantation establishment outside its natural range of 2300 m–3200 m above the sea level (a.s.l.). Plantation below this range will not dissipate but will not attain a healthy growth. The primary use will be restricted for ornamental and conservation purposes such as scaffolding, roof construction, and fabrication of basic household furniture.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8859316
spellingShingle Tarun Kumar Lohani
Gordon Sigu
Nellie Oduor
Selim Reza
Jayaraman Durai
Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
International Journal of Forestry Research
title Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
title_full Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
title_fullStr Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
title_full_unstemmed Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
title_short Species-Site Suitability Assessment of Bamboo and Its Detailed Study in Different Agroecological Zones of Kenya
title_sort species site suitability assessment of bamboo and its detailed study in different agroecological zones of kenya
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2023/8859316
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