Phytosociological attributes of aquatic weeds of Kano-Hadejanguru wetlands

Abstract

A survey was conducted during dry and rainy seasons of 2011 in order to determine the phytosociological attributes of acquatic weeds of Kano-Hadeja-Nguru wetlands. Random quadrat method was adopted for the phytosociological studies. The study areas consisted of communities from Kano, Jigawa and Yobe States. In each state, six communities were randomly selected. In each community20 quadrats of 4 m² size were laid down and hence sum of 120 quadrats were randomly thrown for each state. Within each quadrat area, weeds were identified, counted and weed cover scores were recorded. Weeds were cut at ground level, fresh and dry weights were determined. Typha grass was the most dominant species in the wetlands of Jigawa (21.195 and 22.5%) compared to either Kano (9.345 and 5.27%) or Yobe (12.73 and12.135%) states. Weed density, weed cover scores as well as fresh and dry weight of weed samples from Kano were observed to be higher than the other two states. Morphological characteristics of Typha spp found in Kano State were taller with more leaves than the other two states. The study suggested that there is strong need to start an Integrated Typha management in the study areas.

Keywords: Phytosocioloy, aquatic weed, wetlands, Typha morphology