Influence of Taungya Agroforestry System on Diversity of Native Woody Species and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Nigeria 1

Abstract- This study assessed the effects of agroforestry system on diversity of native woody species and soil physico-chemical properties. This was achieved by comparing floristic composition and soil physico-chemical properties in four different Taungya agroforestry sites and a natural regrowth forest reserve where active logging has not taken place in Ondo State, Nigeria. Two sample plots of 25 m x 25 m were assessed in each site using systematic sampling techniques. All the plants were identified to species level and categorized into tree, shrub, perennial herb, scrambling shrub, epiphyte, climber and their families were identified. Shannon-Weiner and species evenness indices were used to assess and compare native woody species diversity and abundance. Five soil samples were randomly collected from each agroforest plot and natural regrowth forest at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm using a soil auger to give a total of one hundred soil samples which were air-dried and sieved using 2.0 mm sieve. The results showed that the study area was richer in arable crops compared to native woody species as there were 54 species distributed into 28 families in the natural regrowth forest, 11 species distributed into 9 families in Aponmu, 19 species distributed into 19 families in Owo, 11 species distributed into 10 families in Idanre, and 8 species distributed into 7 families in Ore. Species density gradually reduced from 1392 ha-1 in natura