Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Soil Microbial, Earthworm Populations, and Carbon Mineralization in the Forest-savanna Zone of the West Mamprusi District, Ghana
Mahama Musah
Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box 24, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Lawrence Emmanuel Tolulade *
Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, National Open University of Nigeria, University Village, Plot 91, Cadastral Zone Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.
John Osiroko Attah
Department of Water Resources Management and Agro-Meteorology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, P.O. Box 2240, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Olamide Ibiada Esan
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Lagos State University P.O. Box 0001, LASU Post Office, LASU Ojo Campus, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Uwazuruike Chiamaka Blessing
Department of Science and Environmental Education, University of Abuja, Mohammed Maccido Road, Abuja, Nigeria.
Pelumi Adeshina Oderinde
Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.O. Box 2002, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
John Oluwapelumi Oladeinde
Department of Chemical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.O. Box 2002, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Priscilla Oluchukwu Ikeri
Department of Science and Technology Education, University of Lagos, P.O. Box 2419, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The West Mamprusi District is a subset area of Northern Ghana, one of the Savanna ecosystems experiencing forest degradation as a result of human activities. Our study was carried out in the Wungu Sacred grove and its adjacent unprotected forest in the West Mamprusi District of Ghana, with specific objectives on the abundance on soil macro and micro-organisms as well as their impact on some selected soil properties. The area was stratified into two namely, Protected and Unprotected Forest. The unprotected forest was identified by activities such as bush-burning, overgrazing, logging except farming. Four plots 25m x 100m size were set up randomly in each of the forest types for sampling. Soil samples were taken at the depth of 0-20 cm. Selected soil parameters and microbial counts were determined in the Laboratory. Earthworms were enumerated by hand. The result indicates that the soil microbial counts from both sites were significant. (P < 0.05) except for Escherichia-Coli (P>0.05). The average number of earthworms in the protected site was two times higher than the unprotected sites. Anthropogenic activities have affected the soil macro and micro-organisms, thereby decreasing the nutrient supply in unprotected Forest. Result indicates that local habitat should be harness other forms of biomass energy.
Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, earthworm populations, savannah ecosystem, soil microorganisms, soil physiochemical properties