Ecological and Phytodiversity Profile of Ikot Efre Itak Forest, Akwa Ibom State

Aims: Ecological Profile Of Ikot Efre Itak Forest, Akwa Ibom State were accessed to ascertain its phytodiversity and soil physicochemical status.

Study Design: Systematic sampling method was used in sampling soil and vegetation parameters.

Place and Duration of Study: This study is carried out in Ikot Efre Itak forest in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, between two seasons: rainy (April - October) and dry (November - March).

Methodology: Systematic sampling method was used in studying the vegetation and soil. A total of thirty plots were sampled in each season. Total area of vegetation sampled was 1500 m2. Soil samples were analyzed following the standard procedures outlined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist

Results: The result revealed a total of 30 plant species belonging to 18 families were encountered. Family Fabaceae had the highest number of 6 plant species followed by Meliaceae, Arecaceae, and Euphorbiaceae with 3 plant species each. The tallest and shortest species were Berlinia confusa (19.03 ± 3.05 m) and Anchomanes difformis (2.05 ± 0.03). Shannon-Wiener and Simpson diversity indices of 2.71 and 0.89 were recorded respectively. Physicochemical analyses revealed that in IEF the soils were moderately acidic and highly sandy, having low concentrations of some plant nutrients. Correlation analysis indicated significant relationships between plant species and plant nutrients. In this study, soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, Zn, and Fe were the most outstanding soil variables influencing the structural properties of these forests.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the forests were not structurally complex as expected of a tropical rainforest partly due to anthropogenic activities but give an indication of good regeneration of constituents’ plant species and thus reinforced the hope that these forests if preserved can return to its primary status.