Frequency Class Distribution of Vegetation in the Dryland of Northwestern Nigeria
[1]
Muhammad Nuraddeen Danjuma, Department of Geography, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
[2]
Ahmed Abubakar Bindawa, Department of Geography, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, Nigeria.
[3]
Ibrahim Abdullahi Babankowa, Department of Geography, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, Nigeria.
[4]
Babangida Maiwada, Department of Geography, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, Nigeria.
This study categorises plants into five frequency classes based on their abundance. Data for the study was sourced from quadrat sampling. The sampling was conducted using 100m x 100 m quadrat on transect line that runs from Abonabo, Chiromari, Meleri, Asayaya, Dankira and Mairobi (Jigawa State); Garki, Garni, Daneji, Jani, Maje, and Bugaje (Katsina State); Bugawa, Dutsi and Bazai (Zamfara); Gundumi, Modawa, Daraye and Chana (Sokoto State). Sampling involved: quadrat laying, inventorying, identification and recording of species. Samples of species that were not directly identified on the field were collected on pressers and transported to herbarium of Department of Biological Sciences of Bayero University Kano for identification. Data was analysed in Microsoft EXCEL. Result of class distribution analysis reveals a reversed J shape similar to Raunkiaer’s normal frequency diagram. Also found are: frequency class A constitutes thirty three species (66%), class B constitute 8 (16%), C constitutes 5 species (10), and class D has three species (6%) while class E has one species (2%). The study recommends that targeted programmes that will ensure planting of selective multipurpose species should be mounted in the area. Indigenous techniques of resources management such as farmer managed natural regeneration can be used to achieve this objective.
Frequency Class Distribution, Dryland, North-Western Nigeria
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