Effect of Simulated Drought and Rainfall Fluctuation on Seedling Growth of Two Savannah Trees Species in Sudan: An Experimental Exploration

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Ismail A. E. Elzaki, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
• Ahmed A. H. Siddig, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
• Emad H. E. Yasin, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
• Abdelmoniem A. Attaelmnan, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
• Nasradeen A. H. Gadallah, University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'IvoireFollow
• Ahmed M. M. Hasoba, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan
• Mustafa A. Nasreldeen, Forest and Gum Arabic Research Centre, Khartoum-Soba, Sudan
• Yousif E. Yagoub, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
• Kornél Czimber, University of Sopron, Sopron, Hungary

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2023

Journal Name

Acta Silvatica et Lignaria Hungarica

Abstract

Climate change scenarios project that several regions, especially in dryland areas of sub-Saharan Africa, will undergo increasing aridity and, subsequently, expanding land degradation. The study aims to investigate the effect of two drying treatments on establishing and growing Hashab (Acacia senegal) and Boabab (Adansonia digitata) in nursery conditions. Through a 2×2 factorial experiment, seedlings grown in a mixture of silt and sand soil (2:3) were treated by irrigation intervals of one or two liters every three days for 14 weeks to simulate rainfall fluctuation patterns. Seedling germination rate, leaf number, stem height, and diameter were measured weekly; taproot length, shoot, and root dry weights were also assessed. The results showed that neither drying treatment significantly affected A. senegal and A. digitata seedling growth parameters. However, an interaction effect was found in the height and diameter for A. senegal and shoot dry weight for A. digitata. The study concluded that A. senegal and A. digitata seem tolerant to drying treatment. Therefore, the two species are recommended for afforestation programs in areas with relatively harsher conditions. Also, exposing the seedlings of these studied species to similar, extended periods of simulated drought (e.g., 6 – 12 months) is recommended for future studies

Keywords

Acacia senegal, Adansonia digitate, climate change, dryland, Savannah, Sudan, klímaváltozás, száraz területek, Szavanna, Szudán

Rsif Scholar Name

Nasradeen Adam Hamed Gadallah

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Sudan

Cohort

Cohort 3

Thematic Area

Climate Change

Africa Host University (AHU)

University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'Ivoire

Funding Statement

We acknowledge the grant funding from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Sudan, providedto Dr. Ahmed Siddig as the principal investigator for the project. Additionally, we note that this paper is part of a thesis for the first author, in partial fulfilmentof the Master of Desertification Studies at the University of Khartoum. We extend ourheartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this work. We also acknowledge the support of our colleagues and friends for their insightful discussions, advice, and encouragement throughout the writing process. Furthermore, we would like to thank the reviewers for their constructive comments.

Recommended Citation

Elzaki, I. A., Siddig, A. A., Yasin, E. H., Attaelmnan, A. A., Gadallah, N. A., Hasoba, A. M., Nasreldeen, M. A., Yagoub, Y. E., & Czimber, K. (2023). Effect of Simulated Drought and Rainfall Fluctuation on Seedling Growth of Two Savannah Trees Species in Sudan: An Experimental Exploration. Acta Silvatica et Lignaria Hungarica, 19 (1), 37-50. https://doi.org/10.37045/aslh-2023-0003