Botanical Composition and Vegetation Cover of Native Range in the Front Liner Zone of Semi-Arid Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the botanical composition, vegetation cover, dry matter yield and carrying capacity of forage species in dry land range in semi-arid zone. The data generated from range assessment were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The result of the present study showed Pennisetum pedicellatum and Cynodon dactylon were the most dominant grasses species while Ipomea eriocarpa was the dominant legumes specie. The dominant non edible plant species were Cassia tora and Borreriastachydea. The litter deposition of native range in LDS was significantly higher (p>0.05) comparing to the EWS, LWS and EDS. The vegetation cover in LWS was significantly higher (p>0.05) than in EWS, EDS and LDS. The result also revealed that the dry matter yield (kg/ha) produced in the LWS was significantly (p>0.05) higher than other seasons. The higher value of (CC) was obtained in the EWS whereas the least one was obtained in the LWS. It is concluded from this study that the native pasture of semi-arid zone is consist of 70% edible plant species and 30% non-edible which is considered as good. It is therefore suggested that proper management is needed to improve the quality of range by fertilizers or growing more legumes.