Aims: This study aims to analyze the structure of some populations and the natural regeneration potentials of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. According to the environmental conditions, taking into account the 5 ecological zones of Togo. Especially, it aims to: (i) Describe the geographical distribution of the species in Togo, (ii) Analyze the influence of environmental variables (climates, soils and type of vegetation) on the structural characteristics of natural stands and (iii) Determine the natural regeneration potentialities of the species.
Place and Duration of Study: Fieldworks were done from 10 October to 15 December 2013 throughout Togo.
Methodology: Forestry inventory was carried out on 200 plots of 1000 m2 randomly set up in P. erinaceus natural stands in the 5 ecological zones of Togo. In each plot, total height, the merchantable height and diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were measured. The regeneration was studied in sub-parcels of 25 m2 set up in the previous parcels of 1000 m2. In these sub-parcels, the natural seedlings, coppices, sucker which the DBH is less or equal to 10 cm were counted. The geographic coordinates of each tree are registered with the GPS.
Results: The results show that P. erinaceus had a wide distribution and tolerance range in Togo. Trees populations’ average density is between 57±23 N/Ha and 76.5±42 N/Ha. The average diameter, the average total height, the basal area are significantly different for the stands of the 5 ecological zones (P= 0, 00). Diameter distribution indicates a reversed-J in ecological zones 2, 4 and 5 i.e. dominated by small diameters structure of P. erinaceus (Poir.) and unimodal distribution in zones 1 and 3. The study shows that a seedling which is the main strategy of regeneration is not significantly different between the stands studied. Results also show a good natural regeneration capacity of P. erinaceus by a coppice.
Conclusion: This study enables to describe the main characteristics of the natural stands of P. erinaceus in Togo and constitute therefore a useful source of information for the management of natural stands notably that of P. erinaceus.
Author(s) Details
Dr. Kossi Novinyo Segla
Laboratory of Forest Research, Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, P.O.Box. 1515, Lomé, Togo.
Dr. Kossi Adjonou
Laboratory of Forest Research, Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, P.O.Box. 1515, Lomé, Togo.
Dr. Habou Rabiou
Faculty of Agronomy Sciences, University of Diffa, B.P. 465 Diffa, Niger.
Professor Abdou Raoufou Radji
Laboratory of Forest Research, Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, P.O.Box. 1515, Lomé, Togo.
Professor Adzo Dzifa Kokutse
Laboratory of Forest Research, Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, P.O.Box. 1515, Lomé, Togo.
Professor Babou André Bationo
Department of Environment and Forests (INERA/DEF), Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, 04 BP 8645 Ouagadougou 04, Burkina Faso.
Professor Mahamane Ali
Faculty of Agronomy Sciences, University of Diffa, B.P. 465 Diffa, Niger.
Professor Christine A.I. Nougbodé Ouinsavi
Laboratory of Studies and Forest Research (LSFR), Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Benin.
Professor Kouami Kokou
Laboratory of Forest Research, Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, P.O.Box. 1515, Lomé, Togo.
View Volume: http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/138