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A Comparative Study on the Performance of Alnus acuminata Planted as Intercrops and in Woodlots in Nyabihu District, Rwanda.

The study aimed at comparing the growth performance of Alnus acuminata planted as intercrops in agroforestry systems and in woodlots by carrying out an inventory on trees planted in Nyabihu District, Rwanda in the year 2007. The height (m), DBH (cm), silvicultural management techniques subjected to the trees and the stocking parameters including the number of trees per hectare, basal area per hectare, volume per hectare and mean annual increment (MAI) of height were compared. Farms and farmers sampled were randomly selected and a questionnaire was used to compare the silvicultural management techniques used on both land use systems. For measurements, 0.04 ha circular plots were used. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using SPSS 16 where percentages were determined using descriptive statistics while inventory data was subjected to analysis of variance using JMP IN 5.1 where the means were separated using Student t' at P≤0.05. Pruning and coppicing were the main management techniques practiced in both land use systems at varying levels. Thinning (16.7%) and pollarding (33.3%) were practiced in woodlots and intercrops respectively. Trees in the woodlots had attained a higher mean height of 19.55 m, 679 trees/ha, basal area of 15.98 m 2 /ha and volume of 153.00 m 3 /ha. On the other hand, trees in intercrops had an average height of 13.23 m, 454 trees/ha, basal area of 12.68 m 2 /ha and volume of 84.14 m 3 /ha. The Mean annual increments (MAI) in height in intercrops and woodlots were 2.64 m/year and 3.91 m/year respectively. There was a significant difference (P≤0.05) in the average number of trees per hectare, height, MAI in height and volume per hectare between Alnus acuminata planted as intercrops and in woodlots. However, there was no significant difference in the mean DBH and basal per hectare in Alnus acuminata planted in the two land use systems. Farmers can then choose the planting niches of their trees depending on the desired benefits at tree harvest. (Rono J, Maniriho F, Uwezimana V. A Comparative Study on the Performance of Alnus acuminata Planted as Intercrops and in Woodlots in Nyabihu District, Rwanda. N Y Sci J 2012;5(11):133-137). (ISSN: 1554-0200). http://www.sciencepub.net/newyork. 19