Effects of ground preparation and microenvironment on germination and natural regeneration of Juniperus procera and Afrocarpus gracilior in Ethiopia

The seedling establishment of Juniperus procera Hochst. ex Endl. and Afrocarpus gracilior (Pilger) C. N. Page was assessed in the Afromontane forests of Ethiopia. Percent Light transmission, litter depth and percentage cover of vegetation were assessed for seedling microsites in five sites with different levels and history of disturbance. The response of natural and artificial regeneration to burning, mechanical scarification (removal of all logging waste and ground vegetation) and cultivation following clear felling and timber extraction was assessed 19 months after treatment. There was no evidence that regeneration was correlated with light intensity. Despite the presence of a viable seed bank in the undisturbed forest floor, removal of the overstorey vegetation by clear felling did not encourage natural regeneration of J. procera. This suggests that light may not be the main factor limiting regeneration of J. procera. Natural regeneration of J. procera can withstand exposure and is compatible with management by 'clear cutting with seeding from adjacent stands' together with ground treatment, particularly controlled burning which exposes the mineral soil and releases nutrients. In contrast, both clear felling and surface disturbance will discourage the natural (or artificial) regeneration of A. gracilior suggesting that J. procera is a pioneer species which is more exposure-tolerant, whilst A. gracilior is more shade-tolerant and exposure-intolerant. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.