AN ASSESSMENT OF EARTHWORM POPULATIONAND SOIL FACTORS IN AMURUM FOREST RESERVE OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined and compared the properties of soil inside and outside the Amurum Forest Reserve in Jos, Nigeria. Earthworms and soil samples were collected from 300 randomly laid 1x1m quadrats. Soils were analyzed for total nitrogen, available phosphorous and soil organic matter. Soil moisture retention capacity and pH were also measured. Other variables measured included percentage litter cover, and percentage grass cover. Earthworm abundance did not significantly differ between the reserve and outside the reserve. Available phosphorous and organic matter contents were significantly higher outside the reserve than inside the reserve. Percentage litter cover and percentage grass cover related positively with earthworm occurrence and abundance. Earth worm occurrence significantly related to litter cover. The earthworms sampled in this study were epigeic species which live in the litter and top soil. The significantly higher available phosphorous and organic matter contents in the surrounding areas of the reserve as compared to the reserve could be attributed to the grazing activities in the surrounding areas of the reserve. Protected areas as well as unprotected areas are important for the conservation of biodiversity