Adaptation and Growth Performance Evaluation of Selected Agroforestry Tree Species at Fedis and Metta Districts of East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Multipurpose tree and shrub species are essential for meeting the diverse needs of mixed crop-livestock production systems. This study evaluated the adaptation and growth performance of four agroforestry tree species—Moringa tenophylla, Acacia albida, Acacia saligna, and Casuarina equisetifolia—in the Fedis and Meta districts of Ethiopia. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Key growth parameters measured included diameter, plant height, and survival rate. The results indicated a highly significant (p<0.05) variation in survival rates among the tree species. In Fedis, A. saligna, M. stenophthalma, A. albida, and C. equistifolia achieved high survival rates, while M. stenophthalma had a low survival rate at the Meta site. For plant height, root collar diameter, and diameter at breast height, A. saligna and C. equisetifolia exhibited the greatest height growth, followed by M. stenophylla, whereas A. albida showed lower height growth at the Fedis site. At the Meta site, A. saligna and C. equisetifolia again demonstrated superior height growth, followed by A. albida, while M. stenophthalma showed poor height growth. Overall, A. saligna, A. albida, and C. equistifolia outperformed M. stenophthalma in growth performance. These findings indicate that the better-performing species should be prioritized for further demonstration and evaluation in the study area and similar agroecological zones. Adoption and planting of these species as agroforestry practices are recommended for multifunctional purposes in the region.