Evaluation of Biophysical Indicators of Land Degradation across a Vegetational Composition in Osara

Abstract

 Biophysical indicators of land degradation in Osara woodland contiguous to Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara was evaluated between July-October 2024 by exploring vegetation characteristics and soil physicochemical features. Three sample plots were taken randomly measuring 0.25ha divided into (10m x 50m) strips each. In these plots, samples were collected and analyzed according to land use pattern (farming, grazing and previously mined site) Shannon-Weiner and Simpson’s index of diversity shows that plot 2 (cultivated area) had indexes of 2.450 and 0.9121, respectively over grazed and previously mined areas of 0.691, 1.950 Shannon-Weiner indexes, while Simpson’s index of diversity area 0.6189 and 0.7928 respectively. Cultivated /farmed area had herbaceous yield of 0.835kgm-2h-1 as against 1.892kgm-2h-1 and 1.568kgm-2h-1 of previously mined and overgrazed sides respectively. The vegetation analysis revealed a very low similarity of 21.42% which suggest a highly diversified heterogeneous ecosystem. The soil sample analysis shows that areas with evidence of past mining activities has sandy components with moderate slightly acidic pH while the over- cultivated and grazed site had sand clay loam consistency in terms of textural components. The vegetation of the study area hold a great potential for biodiversity conservation, efficient, soil management practice is recommended to maintain nutrient availability for a longer period of years ahead.