<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><italic>Eucalyptus </italic>is the tree of choice for wood production by farmers in Ethiopia. Although there are many claims about its harmful effect on ecology and water availability, little actual research exists. The main objective of this study was, therefore, to study the extent of harm of <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>on the ecosystem. This study was conducted at the Koga Watershed near Lake Tana in Ethiopia. Twenty-five farmers were interviewed and a field experiment with three replications was carried out to quantify the effect of <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>on various soil physical and chemical properties and maize crop measurements and to compare bulk density, soil moisture contents, maize crop counts and shading effects in fields bordered by <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>and <italic>Croton macrostachyus</italic>. Our results show that <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>decreased both soil nutrients and maize yields within 20 m of the trees. Although moisture content was not affected during the monsoon, it decreased faster within 30 m of the <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>trees than elsewhere. Soils become water repellent, too. Local farmers’ perception agreed with our experimental findings and indicated that <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>trees are exhausting the once productive land. They also reported that <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>dries up springs. Despite this, the growers insist on planting <italic>Eucalyptus </italic>because of its cash income.</p></abstract>

Eucalyptus is the tree of choice for wood production by farmers in Ethiopia. Although there are many claims about its harmful effect on ecology and water availability, little actual research exists. The main objective of this study was, therefore, to study the extent of harm of Eucalyptus on the ecosystem. This study was conducted at the Koga Watershed near Lake Tana in Ethiopia. Twenty-five farmers were interviewed and a field experiment with three replications was carried out to quantify the effect of Eucalyptus on various soil physical and chemical properties and maize crop measurements and to compare bulk density, soil moisture contents, maize crop counts and shading effects in fields bordered by Eucalyptus and Croton macrostachyus. Our results show that Eucalyptus decreased both soil nutrients and maize yields within 20 m of the trees. Although moisture content was not affected during the monsoon, it decreased faster within 30 m of the Eucalyptus trees than elsewhere. Soils become water repellent, too. Local farmers’ perception agreed with our experimental findings and indicated that Eucalyptus trees are exhausting the once productive land. They also reported that Eucalyptus dries up springs. Despite this, the growers insist on planting Eucalyptus because of its cash income.

Eco-hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus in the semi humid Ethiopian Highlands: the Lake Tana Plain

Cornell University Master’s Program in Integrated Watershed Management and Hydrology Cornell University at Bahir Dar. Currently at: Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.

Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bahir Dar, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.

Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA, and Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics

Eucalyptus is the tree of choice for wood production by farmers in Ethiopia. Although there are many claims about its harmful effect on ecology and water...

Eco-hydrological impacts of Eucalyptus in the semi humid Ethiopian Highlands: the Lake Tana Plain

Published Online: Mar 15, 2013

Page range: 21 - 29b

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2013-0004

This content is open access.