Effects of Vegetation Parameters on Soil in the Cross River Rain forest Succession Phases, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

The Cross River Rainforest belt being the only remaining typical tropical rainforest is dwindling very fast. This forest is mainly found in Akamkpa and Boki Local Government Areas of Cross River State. In spite of this, deforestation through indiscriminate logging, infrastructural development, plantation agriculture alongside land grabbing has led to the loss and degradation of forest biodiversity. The paper seeks to examine the influence exerted by vegetation components on the soils of the Cross River tropical rainforest. Soil samples were collected in the quadrat laid on each succession shape at 10cm-15cm for surface soil and 15cm-30cm for sub-surface. A total of 50 soil samples were collected at both surface and sub-surface levels. Therefore, in consideration of the interrelationship behavior in successional phases between vegetation and soil, an increase in sub soil exchangeable calcium brings about an increase in tree size of vegetation. Invariably, the size of tree/shrub species was affected with an increase in sub soil exchangeable calcium too. Similarly, from multiple regression analysis (MRA), result also showed that DBH or tree size has a significant effect on sub soil exchangeable calcium. Hence, vegetation parameter affects soils in the Cross River Rainforest, Nigeria.Afforestation, reforestation and forest ecosystem restoration should be encouraged.