Survival and early growth of Ziziphus spina-christi across different management practices in northern Ethiopia dry lands

The restoration of degraded areas can be promoted through afforestation and reforestation using natural regeneration, tree planting, or a mix of both approaches. However, dry periods pose challenges such as moisture stress and poor soil fertility, which hinder the growth and survival of planted seedlings. This study examined the impact of mulching and irrigation techniques on the survival and growth of Ziziphus spina-christi seedlings. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Six treatments were applied: Pearl millet straw mulch + irrigation (PMI), stone mulch + irrigation (SMI), Pearl millet mulch (PM), stone mulch (SM), irrigation (Irr), and a control (no mulching and irrigation). We evaluated plant height, root collar diameter (RCD), and seedling survival count at six-month intervals over four years, while soil moisture content was monitored monthly during the final two years. At the end of the experiment, measurements were taken for primary branch count, canopy diameter, new shoot emergence, and leaf area index (LAI). One-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the effects of treatments on seedling growth and survival. The results indicated that seedlings treated with PMI and SMI had significantly (p < 0.05) higher plant height, RCD, and LAI compared to the control. Additionally, seedlings planted with PMI exhibited significantly higher soil moisture content (13.5%) compared to the control group (7.7%). Therefore, applying moisture and mulching with pearl millet or stone after planting ensures optimal survival and growth rates of Z. spina-christi in dry lands.