Dissertation (MSc. Biodiversity Conservation)
Studies on deadwood (DW) production and nutrient recycling through decomposition by termites in semi arid ecosystems are scarce and thus given less consideration in forest management. A study was conducted at Chimwaga forest patch of UDOM to estimate the amount of DW produced by A. tortilis and A. nilotica as well as the decomposition rate by termites during dry and rain seasons. Both random and systematic sampling techniques were adopted coupled with a completely randomized design (CRD). A sample of 60 tree species was involved in the study. Data analysis was done using SAS and SPSS statistical packages for windows version 16 and 20 respectively. There was no significant variation (P > 0.05) in DW biomass between A. tortilis and A. nilotica which is corresponding to 371.6 ± 96.1 kg DM/ha and 231.3 ± 96.1 kg DM/ha, respectively. The DW biomass was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dry season than in the rain season. Biomass produced by A. tortilis was 669.0 ± 135.90 kg DM/ha (dry season) and 74.3 ± 135.90 kg DM/ha (rain season) while DW produced by A. nilotica was 426.1 ± 135.90 kg DM/ha (dry season) and 36.5 ± 135.90 kg DM/ha (rain season). The DW biomass did not correlate significantly (P > 0.05) with Dbh and canopy area in both rain and dry seasons. This suggests that, Dbh and canopy area had no effect on DW production. The DW from A. tortilis decomposed at a rate of 81.9 ± 10.5 g DM/day (dry season) and 3.4 ± 0.4 g DM/day (rain season) while A. nilotica decomposed at a rate of 5.4 ± 4.0 g DM/day (dry season) and 0.2 ± 0.1 g DM/day (rain season). This suggests that DW decomposition rate varied significantly (P < 0.05) between species as well as seasons. Ecologists, environmentalists and agricultural sectors may apply this knowledge so as to restore the most degraded ecosystems especially in semi-arid areas that would facilitate healthier ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, food crops and animal productivity. It would improve livelihood in communities around semi-arid areas.