By: OKE D. O.; ADEKUNLE V. J.; OKUNLOLA J. O.;
Abstract:
One of the major impacts of anthropogenic activities is forest degradation. Forest degradation can affect soil organic
matter and nutrients and through soil respiration, influence atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global warming.
This study examined the impact of forest degradation on soil properties and carbon pool. Soil samples were
collected at three depths (0-20cm 20-35cm and 35-50cm) from undisturbed and degraded parts of the selected Forest
Reserves and subjected to various laboratory tests. There was no significant difference in soil textural properties but
bulk density was higher under the degraded forests. Topsoil OC, total N also varied significantly with forest type.
Soil carbon pool was higher in undisturbed forests with Eda Forest Reserve (undisturbed) giving the highest value
(64.46 t/ha) while the lowest (28.79 t/ha) was observed under Omo Forest Reserve (degraded).One of the major impacts of anthropogenic activities is forest degradation. Forest degradation can affect soil organic matter and nutrients and through soil respiration, influence atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global warming. This study examined the impact of forest degradation on soil properties and carbon pool. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0-20cm 20-35cm and 35-50cm) from undisturbed and degraded parts of the selected Forest Reserves and subjected to various laboratory tests. There was no significant difference in soil textural properties but bulk density was higher under the degraded forests. Topsoil OC, total N also varied significantly with forest type. Soil carbon pool was higher in undisturbed forests with Eda Forest Reserve (undisturbed) giving the highest value (64.46 t/ha) while the lowest (28.79 t/ha) was observed under Omo Forest Reserve (degraded
Keywords: forest degradation, soil nutrients, carbon storage
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