Relationship Between Crown Cover and Biometric Characteristics of Neem (Azadirachta indica Linn) in Majia Fuelwood Reserve, Dange-Shuni, Sokoto State Nigeria

• Authors: Dantani Abdulmalik
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This research was conducted in order to examine the relationship between crown cover and biometric characteristics of Neem (Azadirachta indica) in Majia Fuelwood Reserve. Ten (10) sample plots (30×30m2) were marked and demarked at random covering both sides of the plantation. Plots were established 20m away from the boundary of the plantation avoiding edge effect. Data collected on individual trees include, DBH, DB, DM, DT and total height of each tree within the plot. The results of this study revealed, trees within 31-40 diameter class have the highest of crown yield metrics followed by 20-30, 51 above and 41- 50 having the lowest values, trees with 20-30m have the highest crown and yield metrics, followed by 11-20m, 31m above and the lowest was recorded among trees that are <10m in height. SLC results obtained show the majority of the trees have low (<70) and moderate (70<100) slenderness coefficient which shows that about (92%) of the trees are not likely to be overthrown by wind but few trees show high SLC which is about 8% of the total trees measured. Correlations among tree characteristics highlight consistent relationships where taller trees tend to exhibit longer crowns and larger crown projected areas. Diameter at Breast Height correlates positively with crown dimensions, indicating larger trunk diameters correspond to broader crowns. Additionally, slenderness coefficients increase with tree height and crown dimensions, potentially increasing vulnerability to wind damage. Basal area shows a strong positive association with tree and crown dimensions, reflecting larger trees having greater basal area. Finally, overall tree volume positively correlates with all measured variables, underscoring that larger dimensions contribute to greater stem volumes in trees. These patterns underscore the interconnected nature of tree morphology and its implications for forest dynamics and resilience.

Keywords

EN

Azadirachta indica; Crown cover; Height and DBH; Slenderness Coefficient

Discipline

• FORESTRY: FORESTRY

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2024
• Volume: 55
• Pages: 258-270

Contributors

author

Dantani Abdulmalik

• Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria

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• Document Type: article