Dynamics in Vegetation Floristic and Structural Composition in Varying Fallows of Agoi-Ekpo, South-Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating vegetation structure and composition across successional fallows communities that ranged from 10yr-old -3yr-old and farmlands in the study area. 10 quadrats of 0.04 ha each were delineated across the fallow communities for the collection of vegetation data. The study area is Agoi-Ekpo community, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data obtained was further analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A total of 3057 tree/shrub stems ≥0.05m diameter at breast height within 22 were enumerated. Vegetation structure varied significantly among10yr-old, 5yr-old, 3yr-old and farmland quadrats (P<0.01). The vegetation stem population varied significantly at a value of P<0.01 across the various fallows. Invariably, diversity index showed that more diverse and heterogeneous fallow was 10yr-old as compared to the 5yr-old fallow and farmland with diversity indexes of 0.89, 0.86 and 0.85 respectively. Variation in vegetation characteristics among the vegetation fallows showed that farming activity resulted in the alteration of forest vegetation. To facilitate rapid vegetation regeneration, bush burning and trunk uprooting should be discouraged.