Tropical Plant Research
An International Journal by Society for Tropical Plant Research
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2020, VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1Pages: 101-109
Growth characteristics of tree species in natural stands of Gambari forest reserve, Southwestern Nigeria
Q. A. Onilude*, R. Adewoye, O. A. Akinyemi and S. O. Osundun
*Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B 5054, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract:
Forestry like any other business venture requires effective management of its resources. Hence, requires quantifiable information on the trees not only for the management decision but also to show the growth, productive capabilities and resistance capability of the trees. This study was carried to examine the growth characteristics of tree species in the natural stand of Gambari forest reserve using a cluster with nested design during the plot sampling. A total of 113 individual tree stem per hectare and 26 tree species per hectare were recorded with Cedrella odorata having the highest frequency per hectare (28) while Antiaris africana, Baphia nitida and Celtis mildbreadii having lowest frequency per hectare (1 stem ha-1).The mean DBH and tree height observed were 30.23±2.93cm and 17.07 + 0.95m respectively. The basal area per hectare and tree volume per hectare observed was 0.099±0.02m2ha-1and 2.135±0.54m3ha-1. Diversity measures obtained included Shannon-weiner index (2.667) and Pielous eveness (0.554). The study revealed that the natural stand of tree species in Gambari forest reserve could not compare favorably with other natural forest ecosystems in terms of species diversity and growth indices, indicating high level of anthropogenic activities. Although, majority of the tree species remaining in the reserve are relatively stable and not readily susceptible to wind damage.
Forestry like any other business venture requires effective management of its resources. Hence, requires quantifiable information on the trees not only for the management decision but also to show the growth, productive capabilities and resistance capability of the trees. This study was carried to examine the growth characteristics of tree species in the natural stand of Gambari forest reserve using a cluster with nested design during the plot sampling. A total of 113 individual tree stem per hectare and 26 tree species per hectare were recorded with Cedrella odorata having the highest frequency per hectare (28) while Antiaris africana, Baphia nitida and Celtis mildbreadii having lowest frequency per hectare (1 stem ha-1).The mean DBH and tree height observed were 30.23±2.93cm and 17.07 + 0.95m respectively. The basal area per hectare and tree volume per hectare observed was 0.099±0.02m2ha-1and 2.135±0.54m3ha-1. Diversity measures obtained included Shannon-weiner index (2.667) and Pielous eveness (0.554). The study revealed that the natural stand of tree species in Gambari forest reserve could not compare favorably with other natural forest ecosystems in terms of species diversity and growth indices, indicating high level of anthropogenic activities. Although, majority of the tree species remaining in the reserve are relatively stable and not readily susceptible to wind damage.
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