Abstract:
Laboratory and field experiments were carried out during the dry and wet seasons of 2010 and
2011 at the Akanga Forest planted with Teak (Tectona grandis) for the production of timber and
poles. The area prior to use was an undisturbed forest and planting was carried out from 1966 at
an annual interval to the year 1982.The intent of these experiments was to compare the changes
in microbial composition and population as well as the influence of seasons on the microbial
populations. Soil samples were collected from three plantation age series 1979, 1980, 1981 and
control. The samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Litter accumulation was found to
be highest in the 1981 plantation with a value of 545.18kg/ha in the dry season. Microbial
composition was determined to be predominantly bacteria and fungi. Bacteria population was
found to be highest in the wet season (99.84 Cfu/g). Fungi population was also found to be
98.10Cfu/g in the wet season. There were significant relationships between the microbial
population and diversity and other edaphic factors. This study showed that rainfall seasons have
great effect on the parameters studied. It was concluded that protection of the litter layer is
necessary in order to ameliorate soil degradation and nutrient limitation in the study area, since
litter layer was not only the main source of soil organic matter and available nutrients, but also
the regulator of soil microbial activity. |
