Ecological and silvicultural indicatory value of plant-communities of Koto forest reserve (Centre-Benin)

Abstract

A study was carried out in Koto forest reserve in central Benin (6°56' to 7°02' of north lat. and 02°03' to 02°09' of east long), in order to contribute to the sustainable management of the forest. Phytosociological inventory was done using the synusial approach. Soils were studied through texture surveys, pedological profiles description and laboratory analysis. Silvicultural parameters of plantations were studied using temporary sample plots of 300 m². The study helps to identify and describe twenty-two basic plantcommunities named synusia. Based on their relationships, the synusia have been combined to describe seven phytocoenoses (plant-communities). Each non pioneer phytocoenose is an expression of specific ecological conditions. The study of plantation productivity has shown remarkable homogeneity of productivity level within each non pioneer phytocoenose. Analysis of variance reveals a significant difference at 5% of probability level between the productivity levels of the phytocoenoses. Three productivity levels are identified according to phytocoenoses. The study leads to the conclusion that phytosociology is a reliable tool for forest management.

Structural Characteristics, Ecology, and Dynamics of Plant-Communities in Toffo Forest Plantations (Benin, West Africa): Lessons Learnt for Forest Sites Identification, Forest Productivity, and a Sustainable Management of the Forest Resources

“…Its presence is due to direct sunlight irrespective of types of soils and topography. Our results agree with those of Ganglo [7], Awokou et al [12]; Noumon et al [13] and Yévidé et al [14]…”

Completeness of Digital Accessible Knowledge of Plants of Benin and Priorities for Future Inventory and Data Discovery

“…Adomou (2005) studied distributional patterns of vegetation types of Benin, and divided the country into 10 phytogeographic districts, and described the major vegetation types and conservation priorities. Various individual vegetation types have been studied in terms of plant communities and species composition Sokpon et al 2001;Ganglo 2004;Ganglo 2005;Ganglo and De Foucault 2006;Tohngodo et al 2006;Awokou et al 2009;Noumon and Ganglo 2005;Noumon et al 2009;Aoudji et al 2011;Yêvidé et al2011), resulting in classifications of forest sites, and useful recommendations for sustainable management. The diversity of neglected and underutilized species was assessed by Dansi et al (2012), who found 41 species of high importance in terms of nutrient content, medicinal value, contribution to household income, poverty reduction, extent of consumption, degree of consumption, extent of production, availability during the year, contribution to empowerment of women, market value, and market use.…”

Caractéristiques structurelles et écologiques des phytocénoses de sousbois des plantations privées de teck du département de l'Atlantique (Sud-Bénin, Afrique de l'Ouest)

“…récemment, l'utilisation de la phytosociologie pour l'étude des forêts du Bénin a permis de mettre en évidence les relations entre les facteurs écologiques, la végé-tation du sous-bois et la productivité des teckeraies. Ces relations ont permis d'identifier et de cartographier plusieurs stations forestières (Ganglo et al, 1999 ;Ganglo, 2005a ;noumon & Ganglo, 2005 ;Dossa et al, 2005 ;Dossa & Ganglo, 2006 ;noumon et al, 2006 ;Tohngodo et al, 2006a,b).…”