ABSTRACT
Woody plant species colonizing abandoned farmlands of
different seral stages in the south-eastern Nigerian rainforest ecozone were
studied between 1st September, 2005 and 30th August, 2006. The tropical
rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate of 3.0 per cent per annum. At
Abia, Akwa-lbom and Imo states of Nigeria, plant species colonizing abandoned
farmlands of 0-2-4-6-8-10-20-30-40-50 and over 50 years of age were studied.
Transects, each lOOm in length were cut in each of the selected abandoned
farmlands using prismatic compass. Along each transect, 11 perpendiculars were
cut and three perpendiculars were selected at random. On each selected
perpendicular line, three quadrats of 2.5 x 2.5 were laid at the three points
selected at random. Woody plant species within the sample plots selected at
random. Woody plant species within the sample plots were identified and
enumerated. Data revealed that 44 woody economic plant species were enumerated
in the three states studied. Data revealed that economic tree species arc rare
in all the abandoned farmlands enumerated. Plant species that were abundant in
the three states were Chroinoiaena odorata, Anthonotha inacrophylla,
Dactyladenia barieri arid Dialiutn guineense. Lovoa Irwin/jo ides and Enlai
idrophragma cylindricum were observed only in the forest over 50 years old. It
appears that it is mainly fire resistant plant species that existed in the
abandoned farmlands. The life form spectra showed the poor distribution of
Phanerophytes. Grasses were more relatively abundant in farmlands between zero
and eight years. The plant species colonizing abandoned farmlands at the three
states were not similar. The calculated similarity index of Abia and Akwa-Ibom
was 57.5%, Abia and imo 45.9%, Akwa-lhom and Imo 33.7%. Data revealed that
vegetation of Akwa-Ibom and Irno State were not similar. However, Akwa-lbom and
Abia states have similar plant species because they shaie the same ecozone.
Abia and Irno states were similar because they share common boundary. it is
recommended that education of the people on the importance of trees should be
done by the state government. Also dispersing tree fruits should he assisted to
help the fruits of tree species get into abandoned farmlands. Kola pachycarpa
and Monodora inyristica hardly can disperse its seeds on itself. And so
requires the help of man to disperse its seeds.
ANYANWU, E (2021). Woody Plant Species Colonizing Abandoned Farmlands Of Different Seral Stages In South-Eastern Nigeria. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Nov 13, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/woody-plant-species-colonizing-abandoned-farmlands-of-different-seral-stages-in-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2
ENYINNAYA, ANYANWU. "Woody Plant Species Colonizing Abandoned Farmlands Of Different Seral Stages In South-Eastern Nigeria" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 14 Oct. 2021, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/woody-plant-species-colonizing-abandoned-farmlands-of-different-seral-stages-in-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
ENYINNAYA, ANYANWU. "Woody Plant Species Colonizing Abandoned Farmlands Of Different Seral Stages In South-Eastern Nigeria". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 14 Oct. 2021. Web. 13 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/woody-plant-species-colonizing-abandoned-farmlands-of-different-seral-stages-in-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2 >.
ENYINNAYA, ANYANWU. "Woody Plant Species Colonizing Abandoned Farmlands Of Different Seral Stages In South-Eastern Nigeria" Mouau.afribary.org (2021). Accessed 13 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/woody-plant-species-colonizing-abandoned-farmlands-of-different-seral-stages-in-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2