Forest Research: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Floristic Composition, Biomass Production and Chemical Composition of Major Herbaceous Species in Chifra District of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia

Abdulatife M and Ebro A

The objectives of the study were to assess the distribution and composition of grass species, occurrence of bare patches under three grazing areas. The study was undertaken in Chifra district of zone one (Awsi Rasu) of the Afar Regional State. The total herbaceous species recorded in the study district was 35. These were 25 (71%) species of grasses and 10 (29%) non-grass species. The non-grass species comprised 3 species of legumes, 1 species of sedge, and 6 species of other herbaceous plants. Of the grass species, 20% were highly desirable, 24% desirable, 44% less desirable and 12% undesirable. The riversides grazing area had a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher percentage of bare ground than the communal and enclosure areas. Furthermore, the communal grazing areas had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of bare ground than enclosure areas. The enclosure areas in the >850-1100 m altitude zone had a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher total herbaceous dry matter biomass, total grass dry matter biomass and total non-grass dry matter biomass than the enclosures in > 550-850 m altitude of the study district. The CP content was higher in the composite sample taken from enclosure areas and lowest in river sides grazing areas in both seasons. Cenchrus cillaris and Chryspogon plumolosus were the best grass species with better nutritive value due to lowest content of ADF and higher content of CP, whereas Tetrapogon cenchriformis was a low quality grass relative to the other grass species.