Evaluation of Awir (Ipomoea carnea) for Gully Rehabilitation through Different Propagation Techniques in North Western Zone of Tigray

Since the past two decades, watershed management practices such as construction of stone bunds and establishment of exclosures have been widely implemented in the semi-arid low and highlands of northern Ethiopia to curb land degradation by soil erosion. The aim of this study was to identify scientific name and its impact of gully rehabilitation measure in the Serenta watershed of the Maitsebri agricultural research center experimental site, northern Ethiopia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transect walks, field observation and field measurements to characterize the species. Scientific name of the species was identified and characterized as Ipomoea carnea Jac. by the national herbarium of Addis Ababa University. Based on the average result of the planted cuttings of stem/direct planting, its survival rate at side was greater than cuttings planted at top position of the gully; 100% at side and 95.84% at top. And for these cuttings planted by budding/layering, its survival rate at side and top positions are equal; 58.33% at side and 58.33% at top. This study demonstrated the potential of the species to bring remarkable restoration of eroded gully through reinforcement of gabion check dams that could serve as a basis for sustainable planning of future developments of areas experiencing severe land degradation due to water erosion and over grazing.