ABSTRACT

Evaluation of plant species useful in soil erosion control in two selected gully sites at Paradise Akanu in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, was studied from March through November 2005. A total of lo plant species consisting of 5 grasses and 5 trees were used in the study. They were planted at the base and sides of the gullies and were replicated three times in each of the gully site. A Randomized Complete Block Design was used. Seeds of tree species w^tplanted at an espacement of 0.25m x 0.25rn. The end of the planting, iron poles were stocked down at the ground of the gully sites at an espacement of 1.0m x 1.0m to enable the measurement of the quantity of soil removed fortnightly. All seeds germinated between 4 and 20 days. All grasses sprouted within 2 and 5 days. Perotis indica was very efficient in binding the soil as it produces roots at every node. It also lies nearly horizontal on the ground. Vertiver ziflqyjoides was also good but dose not cover the exposed soil quickly as Perotis indica. Panicum maximum binds the soil but the total area covered was small. Pennigetum purpqreum was effective. Ageratum conozyoides germinated early but some were carried away by rainwater and they died early and had the least cover. The tree seedlings were good in controlling erosion but they have not formed enough branches to cover the exposed soil. Miiicia exceisa was very efficient because of its broad leaves and Irvingia gqbonensis because of its architecture. A total of 1.1 lm3 of soil was removed within the eight months of the study. The highest quantity was removed during the month of July and June. It is recommended that a combination of grasses and trees such as Perotis indica, Vertiver zinzyioides and Miiicia exceisa be used in controlling erosion in Southeastern Nigeria. There is no significant different between the quantities of soil removed from the two erosion sites.