Eucalypts and afforestation in the Northern Guinea savanna
After several years of screening exotic tree species for their suitability for
afforestation in the Northern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria, the eucalypts
proved to be the most promising. Unlike the indigenous species and some
other exotics, they are fast-growing, need little post-planting care and fruit
profusely. The most promising among them are Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E.
tereticornis and E. citriodora. Extensive afforestation programmes have been
executed using these eucalypts. At present, there are about 2000 ha of
established Eucalyptus species plantations in the Northern Guinea savanna
zone, and there are plans for more.
This paper assesses the composition and density of the understorey fodder species and the ambidnt light intensities reaching them in three Eucalyptus
species plantations at Kabama, Samaru and Guga in the Northern Guinea
savanna zone of Nigeria, and compares them with those of adjoining fallow
plots of land. Such information is essential for organised planning in
strengthening the silvo-pastoral system of agroforestry to ensure rational
grazing for improved livestock production in these savannas.