Woes of Ukambani farmers and residents may soon come
to an end in near future. A new species of lacebark elm tree which does well in
arid and semi arid areas is being planted by farmers in their efforts to combat
Climate Change in their locality. The tree by the name Melia Volkensii may
redeem the residents of Ukambani from the current difficulties they are facing
subject to long dry spell the place has witnessed in the region year in year
out.
PLANTING
PREPARATIONS
Melia
Volkensii plant has very hard seed shell in which the seed are enclosed in it.
To plant, the seed shell is first crushed against hard object but with great
care to ensure that the seed are not destroyed. After the seed have been
removed from their hard inner shell they are then dried in hot sun for two to
four days depending on the intensity of the sun rays. Once the seeds have fully
dried up they are then put in course wet sand for the root and shoot to
develop. When the shoot starts to appear they then transplanted to nursery
where they develop before they are taken to the farm, while still on the
nursery they are highly protected from direct sunlight. This is because the
seed are very fleshy and hot sun can easily make them wither
TRANSPLANTING
After the seedlings have grown in the
nursery they are then transplanted in the field. While planting them earth pots
are dug to ensure that the irrigated water can be conserved. A temporally fence
is erected around the seedling to safeguard it from effects from external force
such as wild animals, domestic animals and any other form of interference. The
shielding is very essential because the plant is very vulnerable and slide
effect during the tender age of the tree can easily affect the entire life span
of the tree making it produce poor quality timber. After the seeds have
stabilized the fence is removed to ensure that they have access to sunlight
significant for their growth and development.
BENEFITS
ACCRUED FROM MELIA VOLKANSIL TREE
The
tree has a wide range of the benefits both to the local community and natural
Environment. Since the tree adapts well in Arid and Semi-Arid areas it can
successfully be used to replace those species which are unable to withstand dry
climatic condition. This is very beneficial especially in this era when there
is global warming coming up as a result of concentrations of green house gases
in the Atmosphere because forests which used to act as carbon sinks have either been cleared to pave way for human
ventures or have dried up as a result of change in Weather patterns. Melia
Volkensii can help to reclaim these forests and afforest the bare lands in arid
and semi arid areas. This tree species offers very comfortable shade since its
bushy in nature and thereby can act as green space in homestead farms of public
places such as market places, churches, schools etc. the tree either provides
high quality timber and within a short period, this is substantial benefits to
residents of Arid and Semi Arid areas as they can grow this species in place of
those species which of late have proved to be hectic to plant and maintain due
to high water required rates. This in turn offers an alternative source of
livelihood in Ukambani and other similar areas. Either Melia Volkensii tree burns
slowly and releases minimal smoke this is effective in reducing indoor
pollution which has posed health threat to residents in rural areas women being
the most affected. Finally the tree has no effects to the neighboring
vegetation.
CONCLUSION
In
this era when the humanity is under threat and faced by both economic and
financial crisis, some innovation are fundamental in ensuring that the world
remains habitable. Those species which can offer alternative income and help in
forestation and reforestation need to be embraced by all. Intense research
needs to be undertaken to find out which species both floral and faunal can do
best in respective climatic conditions. This will in turn reclaim the lost
glory of Mother Nature
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