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 10 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. Seed of tree species was planted at an spacemen 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 escapement of 1.Om x 1.Om to enable the measurement of the quantity of soil removed fortnightly. All seeds germinated between 4 and iU days. All grasses sprouted within 2 and 5 days. Perot/s lad/ca was very efficient in binding the soil as it produces roots at every node. It also lies nearly horizontal on the ground. Vertiver zinzy/oides was also good but dose not cover the exposed soil quickly as Perot/s lad/ca. Panicum maximum binds th3 soil but the total area covered was small. Pennçetum purpqreum was effective. Ageratum conozyoldes germinated early but some were carried awai 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. Nil/c/a exce/sa was very efficient because of its broad leaves and Irving/a gqbonensis because of its architecture. A total of .1.11m3 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 Perot/s md/ca, 'Vert/ver zinzy/oides and Mi/ic/a exce/sa be used in controlling erosion in Southeastern Nigeria. There is no significant different between the quantities of soil removed from the two erosion sites.