ADVANCED JOURNAL OF PLANT BIOLOGY
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2992-4928
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/AJPB
Start Year: 2019
Email: ajpb@integrityresjournals.org
Influence of differential watering regimes on root traits and productivity of Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia nilotica, and Senegalia senegal in the Semi-Arid Zone of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/AJPB2025.044 | Article Number: 4957B41C2 | Vol.6 (2) - August 2025
Received Date: 29 May 2025 | Accepted Date: 16 July 2025 | Published Date: 30 August 2025
Authors: Mali Bulama Gubio and Mohammad Saquib*
Keywords: Drought stress, ecophysiological response, net primary productivity, root adaptation, soil moisture deficit, semi-arid reforestation.
Understanding the dynamics of root productivity under drought stress is critical for selecting resilient tree species for dryland forestry. This study examines the impact of various watering regimes on root growth and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) of three leguminous species: Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia nilotica, and Senegalia senegal under semi-arid conditions in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Seedlings were subjected to four watering regimes (control: four times a week, slight stress: three times a week, moderate stress: two times a week, and severe stress: once a week), and their root length, dry weight, and NPP were measured at 30, 90, and 120 days after planting. Results revealed species-specific responses, with S. senegal consistently maintaining higher root biomass and NPP under moderate stress, indicating strong drought adaptation. The degree of positive relationship between NPP and watering regime at 90 days was stronger in S. senegal (27%) than in V. nilotica (11%), highlighting superior physiological plasticity. Although V. tortilis was resilient under severe drought, it showed a strong negative correlation between NPP and watering frequency, indicating an inverse relationship between water availability and root productivity. These findings underscore the value of root-based metrics like NPP in identifying drought-tolerant species. S. senegal and V. nilotica emerge as promising candidates for reforestation and ecosystem restoration in arid and semi-arid zones.
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