This study investigated the effects of potting media on seed germination and early seedling growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir at the Forestry Nursery in Jos, Nigeria. Using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates, laboratory-tested soil samples, top soil, sharp sand, sharp sand + top soil, sharp sand + top soil + cow dung and sharp sand + top soil + poultry droppings were used in various combinations to assess the growth parameters of P. erinaceus (germination percentage, emergence, plant height, number of leaves, length of leaves and stem diameter) for 12 weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze collected data. Result indicated that sharp sand + top soil + poultry droppings had the highest nitrogen concentration (2.19%), sharp sand + top soil + cow dung (2.07%), sharp sand + top soil (1.50%), top soil (0.72%) and Sharp sand (0.38%). Potting media with poultry droppings recorded an overall higher percentage germination of 42.9% by the end of the germination period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of collected data on combined soil aggregate on growth parameters indicated a significant (p<0.05) difference in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and stem diameter. Potting with poultry dropping gave the best potting media growth results when compared to other treatments that enhanced seed germination and seedling growth of P. erinaceus. This superior observation of the poultry droppings incorporated potting mixtures over the cow dung provides an outstanding potentials to enhance P. erinaceus plantation establishment. Consequently, recommended for raising seedlings in the nursery as well as ensuring sustainable management.

The role of sacred forest/sacred groves in the conservation of biodiversity is well recognised and documented. Despite the importance of sacred forests in conservation, data of flora species composition and diversity in many sacred forests still remain scanty. The study was conducted to provide baseline data on tree species composition and diversity of Ipinu-Igede sacred forest with a view to promote the role of sacred forest in flora conservation in the area. Systematic sampling technique was adopted for the study. A base line transect of 2 km long was established and five (5) other transects 2 km long were laid at regular interval of 500 km apart. On each transect, 4 sampling plots of 50 mx50 m were established at a regular interval of 500m apart. Within the 50 m x50 m plots, trees with diameter at breast height (DBH)≥10 cm were identified and enumerated. Species Important Value Index (IVI), species richness, species evenness and species diversity were estimated. A total number of 50 tree species in 19 families were recorded. Cola gigantea was the most important tree species with IVI of 14.56, this was followed by Harungana madagascariensis with 13.14. Caesalpinioideae was the dominant family with 6 species, 48.15% of the families were represented by only one species. The species richness was D=9.436, Species JAERI, 18(3): 1-10, 2019; Article no.JAERI.48054 2 Evenness was E´=0.7668 and species diversity was H=3.646. Thirty percent (30%) of the tree species were in the DBH class of 1-40cm indicating good regeneration status of the sacred forest. Acknowledgement of the traditional practices by scientists and other actors in natural resources conservation will help in promoting forest conservation. Original Research Article

Abstract-Mining is essential in the economic

This study assessed charcoal production in Gwer west and Gwer east Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. It was aimed at to identifying charcoal producing villages, preferred wood species used, market channels, awareness of the implication of environmental and socioeconomic benefits of charcoal production. Snowball sampling technique was used to identify charcoal producing villages. Mult-stage sampling technique was employed to select respondents for data collection. Five villages were randomly selected and visited in each LGAs, in each village, five charcoal producers were chosen. 150 copies of semi-structured questionnaire were used in the two LGAs. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA. Results show that there were more male than female in charcoal production business. In Gwer east, preferred wood species for charcoal production were in the order of Prosopis africana (33%) >Khaya senegalensis (27%) >Terminelia avicenniodes (20%) > vitellaria paradoxa (13%) > Burkia africana (7%). In Gwer west, the order of wood preference was Prosopis africana (29%) >Anogeissus leiocarpus (24%) >Burkia africana (19%) >Afzelia africana (14%) >Vitellaria paradoxa Original Research Article

This study was carried out to examine the effect of plant species on soil properties in the Falgore Game Reserve (FGR) in Kano State, Nigeria; with the aim to promote sustainable conservation and management of the game reserve and to encourage the use of multiple tree species on farmlands. Strata, systematic and random sampling techniques were employed in order to capture the variability of land cover. Composite samples of soil were randomly collected at a depth of 0-30cm from sample plots of 50 m × 50 m sizes at five points using soil auger. This experiment was replicated four times. The samples were thoroughly mixed and spread out on a dry floor to air dried under the roofed shade. The samples were packaged in polythene bags and taken to the biological science laboratory (Bayero University Kano, Nigeria) for preparation and analysis. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Correlation at p< 0.05. Based on this finding, shrubs and tree species diversity were found to be inversely related to soil total Nitrogen, N, % O.C and soil pH (H2O). The nitrogen content of the soil sample was more stable compared with the carbon content across the strata in the study area. The results of this finding revealed that plants species diversity have different effects on soil properties of FGR. Thus, it is recommended that conservation and restoration of threatened plant species should be encouraged for soil amendment. For easy adoption of plant species on farmlands, farmers should be enlightened more on the effects and environmental functions of trees on farm land.

The diversity and distribution of tropical vegetation becomes more important in the face of the ever increasing threats to the tropical ecosystems. This study was carried out to examine the variations in composition and diversity characteristics of the flora species of Falgore Game Reserve in Kano State, Nigeria, with a view to promoting sustainable conservation and management of the game reserve. The study area was stratified into four topographic locations, namely: hill top, sloppy area, level ground and the riparian forest. A one kilometer line transect perpendicular to a baseline (an established tract/road) was laid in each of the four study locations. 50m × 50m sampling plots were systematically established at a predetermined interval of 200m on both sides of the transect; given a total of ten sampling plots in each study site, and a total of forty (40) plots for the study. The 50m× 50m sampling plots were used for the assessment of woody plants species (trees, saplings and shrubs). One meter squarewas used for the assessment of the herbaceous layer (Herbs and Grasses). Plant Species diversity and distribution were estimated using species richness (D), species diversity (H′) and species evenness (E). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p< 0.05. A total of 3,231.2 individuals/ha distributed in 23 families, 44 genera and 53 species were recorded in the study. Thirty six (36) species (67.9%) were trees, 7 species (13.2%) were shrubs, and 10 species (18.8%) were saplings while 10 species (18%) were herbs. The highest tree species diversity (H′= 2.5) was recorded at the level ground while the least was recorded at the sloppy area, (H1= 2.1). The highest diversity for Shrubs (H1= 1.23) was recorded at the sloppy area while the least (H1 = 0.09) was recorded at the level ground. The highest species diversity of Saplings, (H′= 1.92) was recorded at the level ground while the least (H′ = 1.12) was recorded in the riparian forest. The highest mean value for tree height (14.8m) was recorded at riparian forest while the lowest (10.5m) was recorded at hill top. Findings of this study showed that land use types in association with environmental factors have substantial influences on the density and morphological characteristics of plant species in Falgore Game Reserve.

The study investigated the effects of growth media on germination and early growth of A. africana in order to enhance its plantation development. The experiment was divided into two; experiment 1 and 2. Experiment 1 investigates the germination response while experiment 2 investigates the early growth response of Afzelia africana to different growth media. Both experiments were arranged in a completely Randomized Design (CRD). The growth media used for the study were Topsoil (control), sawdust, fine sand, riversand and the mixture. Fifty seeds were sown into each growing medium and experiment was monitored for 8 weeks. Data were collected on germination and early seedling growth parameters. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data collected. Means separation were carried out using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The result revealed that germination percentage was significant at 5% level of probability. The highest germination percentage was recorded in topsoil (68%) while the least was recorded in sawdust (40%). There was significant difference at 5% level of probability on seedling performance. The highest mean height was recorded in mixture (14.71 cm) and fine sand recording the lowest (9.53 cm). The highest collar Original Research Article

The effects of seed size on the germination and early growth of A. digitata were assessed. Seeds were sourced locally within the University of Ilorin Campus. One hundred viable seeds were selected from each of the size classes. The seed weight, length, breadth, and width were measured for all the selected seeds. Mean weight, length, breadth, and thickness were: 0.62 g, 9.16 mm, 7.45 mm, and 5.85 mm, respectively for small seeds. 0.41 g, 9.54 mm, 7.68 mm, and 6.03 mm, respectively for medium seeds; and 0.44 g, 9.92 mm, 7.89 mm, and 6.21 mm, respectively for large seeds. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Seed dormancy was broken through the acid scarification method by soaking in H2SO4 at 70% concentration for 20 minutes with constant stirring. Variables of interest include: leaves number, seedlings height, collar diameter and leaf area. Based on the results of this finding, medium and large seeds germinated in 7 days after sowing while small seeds germinated in 10 days after sowing. Large seeds had the highest germination percentage (55%), followed by medium seeds with 27%. The small seeds were the least in terms of germination rate (21%). There was no significant difference in mean seedling heights, collar diameters and number of leaves among the seed size classes (P˃0.05). Mean leaf area significantly differed among the three size classes (P˂0.05). The result showed that large seeds gave best germination at a shorter period than the medium and small seed sizes. Thus, large seeds of A. digitata are recommended in propagation activities involving the species.