Abstract
This study assessed the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the textural and selected chemical properties of the soils in the natural forestE—savanna in northern Ghana by comparing the soil physicochemical status of protected forests and neighbouring unprotected forests which are prone to human pressures (except farming and settlements). Three study zones (Wungu, Serigu, and Mognori, which are parts of West Mamprusi, Bolgatanga and Bawku East Districts respectively) were used for the study. Ninety-six (96) composite soil samples (0-50 cm depth) were collected for analysis. The study results showed that the texture of soils generally showed little difference between the protected and unprotected forests within each study zone. Bulk density, Cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil organic C, Total Nitrogen (TN), and phosphorus (P), values were generally higher in the protected sites than the unprotected. Exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) content were greater in the protected forests than the unprotected. The study therefore suggests the development of management systems for offE—reserve forests in a direction which protects the fertility of the soils under these forests, and sustains forest productivity and people’s livelihoods. Key words: ForestE—savanna, soil, physicochemical properties, soil health and fertility.
Highlights
Forests play an important role in protecting the soil, water resources and ameliorating the environment (FAO, 2002)
The textural analysis indicates that the soils have relatively high sand and low clay contents in Wungu and Serigu, and high silt and clay contents in Mognori in both the protected and unprotected forest sites (Table 2)
The relatively low clay contents recorded across the three study zones are in consistent with findings reported by previous authors (Senayah et al, 2005)
Summary
Forests play an important role in protecting the soil, water resources and ameliorating the environment (FAO, 2002). Forest soils in particular play a vital role in determining the sustainable productivity of the forest ecosystems (Kumar and Babel, 2011). Soil fertility changes and the nutrient balances are taken as key indicators of forest ecosystem quality (Jansen et al, 1995). Forest lands with good physical and chemical characteristics are essential in maintaining productivity in terrestrial ecosystems and driving processes that maintain environmental quality (Moussa et al, 2008) and sustainability (Hopmans et al, 2005; Liebig et al, 2006). Anthropogenic activities such as overexploitation, overgrazing, inappropriate clearing techniques and unsuitable land-use practices have resulted in severe soil nutrient
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