Seed Bank Dynamics and Above-Ground Species Composition in Secondary Tropical Forests of Anambra State, Nigeria: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

The study examines the comparative analysis of soil seed bank in two secondary forests; Unizik Conservation Forest and Orebe Village Forest in Amansea both located in Awka North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. These forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, particularly in the face of increasing deforestation and land-use changes. Through ecological surveys, soil sampling, and seed bank analysis, this research assesses soil properties, species composition, and seed bank diversity to evaluate their potential for regeneration and long-term sustainability. Results indicate that species composition analysis reveals a diverse assemblage of plant families, with Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, and Rubiaceae being dominant in both forests. Seed bank analysis at varying soil depths highlights the resilience and regenerative capacity of the forests, with dominant species such as Ageratum conyzoides and Eleusineindica playing a significant role in forest recovery. The Sørensen Similarity Index (SSI) values indicate a moderate to high level of species similarity between the two forests, suggesting shared ecological conditions. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining soil health and seed bank diversity for sustainable forest management. This study provides essential data for conservation planning, emphasizing targeted interventions to enhance soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience in secondary tropical forests.