Soil Physicochemical Properties and their Influence on the Distribution of Roadside Tree/Shrub Species in Southern Nigeria
[1]
Anthony Inah Iwara, Dept. of Geography, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[2]
Ekaette Usenetim Ekukinam, Dept. of Geography, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[3]
Wada Atagu Musa, Dept. of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
[4]
Ewa Eze Ewa, Dept. of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
In this paper, the influence of soil physical and chemical properties on the distribution of roadside tree/shrub species in Tinapa Resort Cross River State was assessed. Soil samples (0 – 30cm) and vegetation data were obtained from fifteen randomly selected plots of 20m x 20m established 20m away from the road. Result of principal components analysis (PCA) identified Irvingia gabonensis, Astonia boneii, Musanga cecropioides, Elaeis guineensis and Uapaca guineensis as roadside tree/shrub species that showed wide range of distribution as well as base saturation, exchangeable magnesium, clay content and pH as significant roadside soil properties. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that among the extracted roadside properties, only clay had significant influence on tree/shrub distribution, particularly E. guineensis (F= 4.81, p<0.05). The study recommended the ecological restoration of roadside flora species through tree planting.
Roadside Soil Properties, Roadside Vegetation, Tree/Shrub Species Distribution, Relative Frequency
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