Tree species diversity, abundance, and soil physico-chemical status of PSP 29, Akure Forest Reserve, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Protected area is one of the in-situ methods of conservation that are needed to be protected from human anthropogenic activities. The Vulnerability and failure of protected areas to achieve their primary function due to evidence of increasing challenges in and outside these areas have been a major challenge to Sustainable Forest  Management in Nigeria. This study was conducted to assess tree species diversity and abundance in the Permanent Sampling Plot 29 (PSP29) of the Akure Forest Reserve and relate them with the soil physicochemical status. Tree diversity and soil assessment provide direction for the management of forest areas and protect forests from degradation and deforestation. Sample plots were laid using the systematic line transect method. Four sampling plots of 50 m × 50 m were laid using systematic line transect. The sample plots laid were also used for soil collection. Soils were collected at three depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm) along the diagonal in each of the sample plot with the aid of soil auger. A total of 12 soil samples were collected from the study area. A total 210 stems distributed among 54 species and 25 families were enumerated in this study. The study area had a Shannon weinner index of 3.44. Celtis zenkeri was the dominant trees species. The soil was found to be moderately acidic. Correlation analysis indicated that Potassium and Cation Exchangeable Capacity (CEC) significantly (P>0.05) influenced tree species diversity in the forest. When subjected to Principal Component Analysis, Na, P, Clay content and pH were found to be the fundamental soil properties that represented what determined the quality of trees in the study sites. The study therefore recommended that the remaining protected areas should be safeguarded from anthropogenic activities and more protected areas be established.