A quantitative study of the structure of an abandoned cropland in Nigeria

Abstract

A quantitative investigation of the structure of a three hectare parcel of .abandoned cropland in the Nigerian Guinea Savanna produced the following results: Tree mean basal area was 6.92 m2 ha-I with an average density of 76.24 ha-\. Shrub basal area was 4.95 m2 ha-I and \.20 m2 ha-I with a density of 52.68 ha-\. Crown coverate for the trees and shrubs were 5.68 m2 ha-I and \.20 m2 ha-I respectively. The ratio of aboveground to belowground biomass for the grass-forb component was 4.70: 1, and there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.76) between the two.