Abstract
The effect of forest fire on natural forest in Southern Guinea Savanna in Nigeria was investigated. The study was carried out in Oro forest reserve in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study site was located in the north-eastern and south-western portions of the reserve. In each location in the forest, one hectare (100 m × 100 m) was divided into 100 plots of 10 m × 10 m. Twenty plots were randomly selected for determining the frequency of burned trees, re-sprouted trees and the numbers of seedling/ha. Soil samples were also collected at three depths: 0 - 5, 6 - 10, 11 - 15 and 16 - 20 cm. Soil samples were taken before burning and one year after burning. The effect of fire on tree species recovery showed that regeneration of Byrsicarpus coccineus, Grewia mollis and Butyrospermum Paradoxium were very encouraging in the burned area. In contrast, Adenodolichos peniculatus, Fadogia pobegunii and Terminalia aviceniodes were very sensitive to fire as they failed to regenerate or poorly reproduced in the burned area. Fire had no effect on soil texture except 0 - 5 cm. Soil pH significantly increased available phosphorus increased significantly, whereas, soil organic matter, available acidity and total nitrogen significantly decreased in the burned area. Also, metallic cations (Ca, Mg, K) and cation exchange capacity increased in the burned area. These changes were related primarily to oxidation of the organic matter layer during fire and concurrent changes in the soil environment following fire (e.g. a reduction in organic matter content of the soil, and increased soil pH). Key words: Guinea Savanna, soil properties, forest fire, Regeneration, Byrsicarpus cocineus, Adenodolichos peniculatus.
Highlights
Fire is an important natural disturbance in most forest ecosystems and can lead to rapid changes in soil and biogeochemical cycling, which, in turn can have important implications for long-term ecosystem dynamics (Schmoldt et al, 1999)
Fire resulted in disturbance of many forest lands depending on its severity and forest composition ; severity and extent of forest fires had a significant effect on seeds regeneration (Lecomte et al, 2005)
It is apparent that Adenodolrchios peniculatus and Byrsicarpus coccinetts were most susceptible to forest fire
Summary
Fire is an important natural disturbance in most forest ecosystems and can lead to rapid changes in soil and biogeochemical cycling, which, in turn can have important implications for long-term ecosystem dynamics (Schmoldt et al, 1999). Prescribed burning of naturally accumulated forest floor or slash following tree harvest is a standard practiced to reduce fuel levels with the intention of minimizing the extent and severity of wildfire or facilitating germination and growth of desired forest species. They are carried out when soil is moderatelymoist and thereby show a low level of severity (Wasterd et al, 1990)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
