Microorganisms are described as multicultural microscopic organisms, which are cosmopolitan in nature, (i.e. they are widely distributed in air, water, soil, sea, mountains, hot springs and also in bodies of living plants and animals including the human), possessing a diverse array of metabolism. Microbial diversity includes a large collection of organisms. It includes a range of variability in all kinds of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria and viruses in the natural world. Microorganisms serves as the mainstay of life on Earth. Microorganisms represent the richest treasury or part in chemistry and molecular diversity in nature, establishing the basis for ecological processes such as biogeochemical cycles and food chains, also maintaining essential relationships among themselves and with higher organisms. Microbial diversity exploration has been encouraged by the fact that microbes are vital for life since they perform numerous functions essential for the biosphere. Maintaining multiple ecosystems functions and services, inclusively: nutrient cycling, litter decomposition primary production and climate regulation are among the key roles performed by microbial communities. Microbes not only reshaped the oceans and atmosphere but also gave rise to conditions conducive to multicellular organisms. The diversity of microorganisms is important in the maintenance and conservation of global genetic resources.

Background and Objective: Sustainable food security in Nigeria has become very important to curb malnutrition and protein deficiency. Changes in the observed climate are affecting the growth of food crops through phenological alterations among other stress factors. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) has been reported as one of those crops with significant potential to withstand these stressors as well as meet the demands for a source of protein and medicine for humans and livestock. This study assessed the growth parameters of fifty accessions of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) cultivated in two ecological zones in Cross River State.Materials and Methods: A 50×2 factorial in a completely randomized block design with three replications was used. Three seeds per accession were sown per hole at a depth of 2 cm and thinned to two after emergence, on beds measuring 1×1 m. Each bed had six plants and growth parameters were measured on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and leaf area. Results: It showed significant differences in growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, leaf area index and relative growth rate between the two locations, with the accessions planted in Calabar displaying higher mean values for all parameters except plant height and leaf area indices, 50.98 and 5.38 cm, respectively, which were higher in Obudu. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that these fifty accessions of pigeon peas can be cultivated successfully in Calabar and Obudu. This information is crucial for farmers to optimize pigeon pea production to diversify the food base, ameliorate protein deficiency and enhance soil nutrition in Cross River State and Nigeria.

The ecological impacts of human settlement on trees in Oban and Okwangwo Forests of Cross River National Park located in Nigeria was carried out in the park with the view of providing information on the activities of the support zones and enclave communities in both (Oban and Okwangwo) divisions of the park. Surveillance tours were carried out in company of the park rangers in the park and enclave communities. Each division was divided into two (2) zones each (core and peripheral) for ease of coverage. Plots were randomly selected in each study site at regular number of paces (fixed interval) to avoid coincidence. Onen et al.; AJEE, 10(1): 1-11, 2019; Article no.AJEE.50820 2 Data collections and observations were carried out for a period of four (4) months in both divisions. Random Sampling method was used for the study. Eight (8) plots of size 50 m × 50 m each were marked out using wooden pegs with red ribbon tied across the pegs in the core zones in both divisions (Oban and okwangwo). Same was applicable to the peripheral zones in both divisions giving a total number of 32 plots. The total number of trees per plot was determined by direct stem count and trees with 30 cm girth and above was considered for the count. The total number of trees counted in the core zones was (Oban 141 and Okwangwo 162) and the peripheral zones (Oban 120 and Okwangwo 127). Descriptive statistics was applied on the data to determine the mean, standard deviation and range. The T-test for tree counted in Oban (Table 3) reveals that T cal (1.161)≤T tab (2.365) and the difference had a mean of 3.875, T Cal ≤ T tab at 5% level of significance. Original Research ArticleThe T-test for tree counts in Okwangwo (Table 6) shows that T cal (3.040)≥T tab (2.365), T Cal ≥ T tab at 5% level of significance. F-statistics (Table 8) revealed a significance level in their differences, F tab (p=0.05) df (7,7) = 3.79, F Cal = 5.384. This calls for fast action on the resettlement of the enclave communities and provision of alternative sources of income for the support zones and enclave communities. Strategies should be adopted and improved upon if biodiversity is to be conserved. These strategies are embedded in increasing staff strength, well equipped and dedicated rangers as well as the absence of surrounding enclave communities.