Abstract:
Despites the propagation efforts, density of Ocotea usambarensis has continued to diminish in
the southern slopes of Mount Kenya. The species which is native in the montane forest is seldom
on farm and found as remnant species. The concerns on the role of environmental factors and
how they influence regeneration of Ocotea usambarensis have been sidelined resulting to lack of
adequate information that would be required for modeling how to reestablish Ocotea
usambarensis. This study therefore examined the role of Rainfall, Humidity, Temperature, wind
speed and soil characteristics on regeneration of Ocotea usambarensis. The study was conducted
in the southern slopes of Mount Kenya forest. Data on environmental factors, regeneration status
and species diversity were analyzed using regression, Pearson Correlation, Shannon- Wiener
(H ) Index and Simpson (D) Index. The regeneration status was J shaped with mature trees
more than regenerants. The relationship was strong (R2 = 78%) between humidity and rainfall (P
0.05) while for temperature and wind speed were insignificant. The correlation between soil
compositions varied significantly (P 0.05). The soil pH positively correlated with soil nutrients
while Cation exchanges capacity negatively correlated with potassium and silicon. It was
observed that Diospyros abyssinica was growing in close association with O. usambarensis
playing the role of nurse species. With the absence of seedlings in most of the sites and the
limiting environmental factors, promotion of vegetative propagation and enrichment planting
would enhance conservation and restoration of the species in Mt. Kenya forest. The high levels
of soil nutrients and Cation exchange capacity in forest soils indicated the need to maintain them
high on farm for optimal growth rate. Enhancing optimal environmental conditions for growth
would enhance conservation and restoration of the Ocotea usambarensis |
