Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry

This study evaluated the relationship between selected physicochemical properties and microbial populations of the soil of Bagale Forest Reserve, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Five plots of 20 x 20 m were laid. Soil samples were collected from five different positions at two soil depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. The soil samples were isolated in the laboratory for microbial populations and determination of physical and chemical properties. The results obtained revealed that fungal population (7.65 x 105 cfu/ml) was the highest at the soil depth of 0-15 cm, representing 39% of the total microbial populations in the sampled soil of the study area. The results further revealed that the population (6.84 x 105 cfu/ml) of the bacteria had a positive effect on soils of the study area in terms of nitrogen fixation by Rhizobacterial spp. Chemical properties of the soil samples revealed that the available phosphorus exhibited the highest percentage (61.7%) at 0-15 cm soil depth. Analyses of soil physical properties recorded the highest percentage (49.0%) of sand at 0-15 cm soil depth. A similar percentage (50.0%) of sand was exhibited at the depth of 15-30 cm. These percentages accounted for the high porosity (29.0%) of the soil observed at the two soil levels in the study area and could be improved through the application of lime fertilizers. Application of appropriate fertilizers like NPK to improve the soil condition of the study area is highly recommended.

Evaluation of preferred tree species for fuelwood consumption in selected local overnment area of Katsina State was studied. Random sampling techniques was used to administer thirty (30) questionnaire in each of the four (4) selected local government areas to make a total of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires. One hundred (100) were retrieved. The result revealed that Isoberlinia doka was the most preferred (24%) tree species for fuel consumption because of its high fire retaining capacity, low smoke and  low moisture holding capacity while Cassia species and Odina barteri were the least (3% each). The major (70%) source of fuel wood supply to the market was from the forest. Funtua local government consumed more Fuelwood/head/year (64.06t/person/year) than all the other selected local government areas, while Sabuwa had the least (38.64 t/person/year). Fuelwood was the major (33%) energy source while gas (2%) was the least. Socio economic characteristics of the respondents were also examined. The percentage of male was 68%, while that of their female counterpart was 32%. Majority (50%) are married with many (35%) having 7-8 house hold size. 37% of the respondents had primary education while 26% had no formal education and majority (42%) were farmers. However, it is recommended that there is need for artificial regeneration of tree species exploited in form of woodlots, community forest plantation for continuous supply of wood on a sustainable bases and also other alternative sources of energy such as kerosene stove, gas cooker, solar etc should be encouraged and subsidized to the general populace to reduce the pressure on forest reserve.

This study was aimed at evaluating on-station performance of indigenous breeds of cattle for milk yield and body conformation traits. The data for the study came from four hundred and fifty (450) genotypes (Bunaji, Friesian X Bunaji and Gudali) of cattle reared on-station from 1995 through 2012. Morphometric variables measured were BW: Body weight (Kg); BL: Body Length (cm); HW: Height at withers (cm); CW: Chest width (cm); HG: Heart Girth (cm); Rumwi: Rump width (cm); TL: Teat Length (cm); RUH: Rear Udder Height (cm); UC: Udder Circumference (cm); TY: Total Yield (Litres). There variations in morphometric traits and milk yield among the genotypes of cows. Bodyweight was significant and highly correlated with total yield in milk for all the genotypes of cows. The accuracy of predicting total yield in milk using morphometric traits was best in FriesianXBunaji (76.24%) followed by Bunaji (70.43%) while Gudali had the least prediction classification (62.06%). It is concluded that performance differences among the indigenous cattle indicate genetic diversity exists among the genotypes.

Species diversity and forest regeneration potentiality in Buruku Forest Reserve was assessed.  Four (4) plots (A–D) of 60 m x 60 m were laid in each plot. Point centred quadrant method of sampling was used. Transect were selected on pure random basis where data were collected on species diversity and families, density of woody stem, diameter class distribution, regeneration potentials and relative frequency. 21 families with a total of 135 species were obtained on the species diversity at Buruku Forest Reserve. The densities of woody plant varied between 434.03 - 771.60 per hectare in plots A, B, C and D. While the highest number of trees in diameter-class distribution were apportioned to 10 – 19 cm class interval in plots A, B, C and D respectively. Diameter class 50 cm and above had the lowest number of trees allocated to it. The regeneration potential of the diversified species was very poor, which has a great implication for regeneration and conservation of the various species encountered. Although Isoberlinia doka Craib & Stapf.     had the highest regeneration potential from each of the examined plots followed closely by    Acacia senegal, Parkia biglobosa and Terminalia avicennoides Gull & Peer. Important woody plants of economic importance, like Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum had zero regeneration potential. However, it is recommended that Buruku Forest Reserve Should be regenerated artificially (through enrichment planting, re-afforestation programme and so on) to increase the plant diversity in the forest and regeneration potentials of the species for sustainability of the forest reserve.

The study is based on intensive survey of relevant literature which reviews the present status, threats, conservation initiatives and major legislation related to conservation of forest ecosystems and plant diversity. The three natural forests (Hill, Sal and mangrove forest) are the key habitats of plant diversity and cover about 2 million hectares of land. Despite a flora diversity rich country, the existence of many plant species is currently under threat as evident by continuous degradation of natural forest in Bangladesh. There is an increasing pressure on the biodiversity of this country to meet the needs of the increasing population of Bangladesh. As a result, many plant species are gradually declining and are facing extinction. Over exploitation of natural ecosystems, land use changes, permanent infrastructures in natural ecosystems, illegal logging, natural disasters, climate change effects and limited forest protected areas (FPAs) are key threats to plant diversity. Government has made some initiative to conserve the remaining plant diversity including declaration of FPAs, national conservation strategies and establishment of environment related acts. At present 47 FPAs are established as in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches to preserve plant diversity. Several preservation plots, clone banks and arboreta are also functioning as conservation approaches. The country has several laws that address forest and biodiversity conservation, several of which has been amended in last decade. Recently the country has taken some policies and projects in small scale to ensure effective conservation of plant diversity through sustainable management practices. Although co-management by FPAs authority and local participant has some advantageous effects, the existing conservation practices are still poor to effective conservation of flora diversity.