Influence of Vegetation Characteristics on Nutrient Loss in the Rainforest Belt of Agoi- Ekpo, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the influence of vegetation characteristics on nutrient loss in vegetation fallows in a part of the rainforest belt in Agoi-Ekpo, Cross River State. Participatory method was used to identify fallows of 3-year and abandoned farmland. In each identified fallow category, 10 plots for vegetation estimation was established, while two runoff plots of 10m x 4m was constructed and used for nutrient loss estimation. Data was gathered during the cropping season of March to November, 2012. Results showed that on the 3-year fallow only basal cover was retained by the model and significantly explained Ca loss (R2= 0.627, F = 3.655, p<0.01), Mg loss (R2= 0.57.2, F = 3.271, p<0.05) and potassium loss (R2=0.527, F = 2.980, p<0.05). On the abandoned farmland, the model retained only crown cover and it significantly explained OC loss (R2 = 0.591, F = 3.402, p<0.01), TN (R2 = 0.599, F = 3.456, p<0.01), Ca (R2 = 0.674, F = 4.067, p<0.01), Mg (R2 = 0.796, F = 5.75, p<0.01) and K (R2 = 0.823, F = 6.090, p<0.01). The study showed that more nutrient element losses were recorded in the abandoned farmland. The study suggests that trees and shrubs should not be completely cut down on farmlands facilitate rapid vegetation restoration during land abandonment.Keywords: Nutrient loss, Vegetation characteristics, multiple regression, fallo

Assessment of Heavy Metal Status of Boreholes in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Although, many heavy metals are necessary in small amounts for the normal development of the biological cycles, most of them become toxic at high concentrations. The major sources of heavy metal pollution in urban areas of Nigeria are anthropogenic, while contamination from natural sources predominates in the rural areas. The study examined heavy metal status of boreholes in Calabar South, Cross River of Nigeria. Four functional boreholes in the area were sampled. Result showed that the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) were within WHO maximum permissible limit with mean values of 0.065ml-1g, 0.015mgl-1 and 0.002mgl-1 respectively. The proportion of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) in the sampled boreholes was zero, indicating the absence of these metals in the sampled boreholes. The absolutely low levels of heavy metal contents across the sampled boreholes showed they were not polluted and as such suitable for human consumption. The low content also revealed that boreholes in the area were located far away from dumpsites; soak away pits, automobile shops and other forms of heavy metal contaminants. In order to maintain quality status of boreholes in the area, routine monitoring and assessment of boreholes mostly the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in the area by sanitary inspection officers was suggested.Keywords: Heavy Metal, Borehole Water, Functional Boreholes, Proportion, Quality Statu

Problems and prospects of poor drainage systems and urban sustainabilty in Calabar, Nigeria

No Abstract