ABSTRACT

A research was conducted to determine the socio-economic features of utilization, regeneration pattern, leaf litter fall, nutrient content and leaf pattern and soil chemical characteristics of bamboo in relation to land use system in Abia and Imo States both in Southeastern Nigeria. The studies were conducted using three (3) recognized utility methods of bamboo species in land use system in the zone namely: to control erosion, to conserve watershed and to demarcate farm boundaries at Ugwunchara, Ohiya and Amanze respectively. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on the socio-economic objective of this study. In order to assess the regeneration pattern; litter fall pattern, associated flora species, as well as soil and plant chemical characteristics of bamboo lots in the three utility method Qf bamboo species, four (4) sampling sub plots were delineated on each of the three sites. From the four (4) sub-plots serving as replicates, quadrats of im x im were used in sampling for parameters. The parameter determined are number of regenerating suckers of bamboo, types of flora species (Classed in families) and their population densities accommodated in the bamboo lots. Soil chemical characteristics determined at 0 — 15cm and 15 — 30cm soil depth. In all, a randomized complete block design was used in the experimental layout. In these 3 locations bamboo is harvested and used as stakes, scaffolds, fuelwood and to make musical instruments. Less than 20% of respondents in the three locations could deliberately planted bamboo species, other could not. Most respondents harvest Bamboo annually and over 50% of them grows the plant for commercial purposes. Over 80% of the respondents complained that bamboo growth negatively affected their arable crop yield and most complained that the plant reduced their farm size while growing. On the other hand, respondents indicated that it improved the degraded land by holding the soil together against erosion. The months when regeneration of bamboo trees were highest are October and June and the mean total regeneration of bamboo rhizome is 15.66 rhizome/0.02ha. per annum. In terms of floral presence under bamboo, Asystasia, Aneilema beninense and Dioscorea //ebrecht/ana were encountered with high densities in the 3 locations. Highest Bamboo litter was collected in the months of December and January than other months. The leaf litter of bamboo had high concentrations of K, Mg (mg/kg), and %OC, but had low contents of N and P. Also the sciil under the bamboo lots cortained low N% in the 3 locatiois. Bamboo species may not be a good suitable species for the rehabilitatin9 of sites with lQw Nitrcen but it is recommended for unstable soUs.