Morphology and Rehabilitation Roles of Chomo Grass (<i>Brachiaria humidicola</i>) in Gully and Fragile Degraded Lands in Mana Sibu District, Western Ethiopia

Degradation of fragile lands and gully formation are pressing challenges in Western Ethiopia, particularly in the Mana Sibu District. The integration of Chomo grass (<i>Brachiaria humidicola</i>), a stoloniferous perennial grass with strong adaptive and restorative properties, has shown promising potential for ecological restoration and soil conservation. This study aimed to characterize the morphological traits of Chomo grass across different age categories and assess its role in the sustainable rehabilitation of degraded landscapes. A randomized complete block design was employed to evaluate both above- and below-ground morphological traits, including plant height, stolon length, leaf sheath, root depth, and plant density. Results revealed statistically significant differences (<i>p<0.001</i>) in most traits across age groups, indicating rapid early development and increasing restoration capacity with plant age. The highest ground cover (98.67%) and root length (125 cm) were recorded in older stands, supporting its effectiveness in enhancing soil stability, vegetation recovery, and water retention. Field observations further confirmed Chomo grass’s role in stabilizing gullies and fragile lands, reducing erosion, and supporting livelihoods through fodder production. The study recommends the expansion of Chomo grass as a viable biological soil and water conservation strategy in degraded areas.