Effect Of Deforestation On Soil Productivity In Filiya Shongom L.G.A, Gombe State

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the effect of deforestation on soil productivity in Filiya Shongom L. G.A, Gombe State. Two plots were sampled using wandering quarter method of vegetation sampling, each measuring l00m x l00m. One site was assigned undisturbed area and the other one disturbed area. At each site Relative abundance, Basal Area, were calculate. T-test as used to determine the significance difference between the soil organic matter content, plant abundance, and basal area of plants in undisturbed and disturbed areas. The soil organic matter content was determined by dry combustion (loss on ignition). The highest soil organic matter content of 0.69g was recorded in undisturbed area while the lowest value of O.65g was recorded in disturbed area. The statistical analysis revealed a significance difference between undisturbed and disturbed areas. Alternative other than use of fire wood should be provided in order to conserve the vegetation of the area. Awareness campaign should also be encouraged so as to make people of the area very much aware of the dangers of deforestation.