Influence of Pedological Regimes on Plants Distribution in a Lacustrine Wetland in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

 Studies on the influence of pedological regimes on plant distribution in a lacustrine wetland in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria revealed variations in density and frequency of plant species as a function of the soil parameters. A quadrat size of 5m x 5m through systematic sampling was used to sample the vegetation spaced at regular intervals. The vegetation parameters determined were density and frequency. Soil samples were collected at different depths (0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm) and analyzed using standardized methods. Results obtained revealed a total of fourteen (14) plant species belonging to twelve families (12). Elaeis guineensis dominated in terms of density (5067±3.80 stems/ha) and frequency (80%). Species such as Dioscorea bulbifera (1600±0.25 stems/ha) Mallotus oppositifolius (1600±2.21stems/ha), Pentaclethra macrophylla (1600 ± 0.21 stems/ha), Podococcus barteria (1600 ± 0.30 stems/ha) and Synsepalum dulcificum (1600 ± 0.20 stems/ha) had low density values, respectively. Species such as Albizia zygia, Alchornea cordifolia, Andropogon gayanus, Barteria nigritiana, Dioscorea bulbifera, Mallotus oppositifolius, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Podococcus barteria had low frequency values of 20% each. The results revealed that lacustrine wetlands are conservatories for diverse plants species whose composition, growth and distribution are dependent upon the soil nutrient and substrate conditions. In the light of this, there is need to assess the anthropogenic activities that can alter soil properties and enforce proper conservation strategies in the management of this and other wetland ecosystems.