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The effects of tree canopy cover on soil fertility in a Nigerian savanna

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Augustine Onwuegbukiwe Isichei  and
Joseph Ikechukwu Muoghalu
Augustine Onwuegbukiwe Isichei
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Joseph Ikechukwu Muoghalu
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Abstract

The effect of tree canopy cover on soil properties was studied over three periods: middry season (January), mid-growth period (August) and peak-growth period (October) in three 1 ha plots in savanna of north-west Nigeria. The objective was to find out whether tree canopies change the nutrient status of the soil under them relative to adjacent grasslands. Soils under tree canopies were found to have significantly higher levels of organic matter, calcium, magnesium, potassium, total exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity and pH than those in open grasslands. Nitrogen and phosphorus were slightly higher in soils under tree canopies than those in the open grasslands. Trees 7 m and above had more influence on soil properties than smaller trees. Differences in soil properties among the study plots were due to differences in their soil texture. Seasonal trends were observed in organic matter, carbon: nitrogen ratio, cation exchange capacity, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, total exchangeable cations and percentage base saturation.

Keywords

Nigeriasavannasoil fertilitytree canopytree height
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 8 , Issue 3 , August 1992 , pp. 329 - 338
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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References

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