Macro Faunal Diversity in Date Palm Plantation Soils of Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research assessed the macro-faunal diversity in soil of date palm plantation of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. Parameters evaluated included; assemblage and diversity of soil macro invertebrates based on growth performances of the date palm. The plantation was divided according to growth variabilities. Assessment of macro fauna species was carried out using plots of 20m × 20m which was randomly selected, using plots of 1m x 1m that where laid at each anger point,Top soil for biological assessment of soil samples, were collected using trowels at depths ranging from 0-30cm depth. The soil samples was immediately spread on board of about 60cm2 and sorted for the presence of macro fauna. Soil macro-invertebrates ‘identification and enumeration. Soil macro-invertebrate assemblage was analyzed for diversity indices of species using relevant formulae. Results showed a total of 648 macro fauna scattered within the study area. Seventeen (17) Families of macro fauna were also identified in the study. Lumbricus terrestris (earthworm), the Heterotermes species (termites) and those belonging to the Formicidae family (ants) were the groups having the highest number of individuals. Leading to the conclusion that soil Macro fauna were present in the study area. However, the numbers of macro fauna were very active in the date palm plantation soil. This is an indication that strong relationship exists between macro fauna-invertebrates the date palm trees.