Soil Properties as Determinant of Woody Trees Distribution in Kanawa Forest Reserve, Gombe State, Nigeria

The present study examined the influence of soil properties on the distribution of woody tree species in the study area. Point CenteredQuarter sampling method was employed to collect soil and vegetation data from six contrasting vegetation types.Composite soil samples were collected at two pre-determined (0-15 and 15-30cm) soil depths. The samples were analysed using standard procedures in the laboratory. The study revealed that soil physico-chemical properties varied from site to site and were dominated by certain plant species (Raphia sudanica, Elaeis guineensis, Senna siamea, Ficus congoensis, Ficus polita, Gmelina arborea, Azadirachta indica, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Vitex doniana and Albizzia lebbeck). Correlations between soil types and vegetation types showed significant and positive correlations within the various soil parameters studied at all the vegetation types. However, there was a negative correlation within some of the vegetation types. From this findings, it was concluded that the variations within soil physical and chemical properties influence the distribution pattern of flora in the area. The differences are therefore indications of the variation in biophysical components such as soil, water, topography among others. It was recommended that this study would act as a basis for making sound ecological predictions and land use decisions.