Influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana

Abstract

Soil-Species correlation studies help in understanding the ecology of plateau ecosystems. However, this information is scarse thereby posing a challenge in their effective management in Ghana. Hence, the study on the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the six fringed communities which constitute the focus of the study: Bowuri (BO), Nkonya (NK), Akpafu (AK), Santrokofi (SA), Hohoe (HH) and Alavanyo (AL) in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana. Soil and vegetation parameters were recorded in a total of 180 plots (each measuring 25m × 25m) demarcated across the communities and analyzed. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) results showed that pH, OC, TN, OM, TCa, TMg, TK, Na, T.E.B, ex. Acidity, ECEC, Base sat, AVI – P (ppmP), Sand and Silt were the drivers of trees, saplings and seedlings composition and structure (including density, richness, shannon, evenness and basal area (BA)) on the plateau. This vegetation attributes were seen to be highest and more correlated with soil parameters for BO, NK and AK occupying lowland areas and lowest in the SA, HH and AL occupying highland areas of the plateau. The soil is somewhat weak acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging between 4.17 and 7.06. The CV values revealed Base sat showing lowest values (c.v.<15%), with moderate (c.v.=34%-15%) for TK and highest (c.v.˃35%) for TCa, TMg, Na, T.E.B, EX. ACIDITY and ECEC, AVI-P1. This study provides a better understanding of the current status of this plateau in Ghana.