Diversity and Distribution of Woody Species in Agrosystems in the Maradi Region along a North-Central-South Gradient
Ibrahim Kasso A. Rahamane *
Department of Rural Engineering and Water and Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger BP 10960, Niamey, Niger.
Massaoudou Moussa
Department of Natural Resource Management (DGRN), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger (INRAN), BP 240 Maradi, Niger.
Baragé Moussa
Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, BP.10960, Niamey, Niger.
Mahamane Larwanou
Department of Rural Engineering and Water and Forestry, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger BP 10960, Niamey, Niger.
Zounon Christian Serge Félix
Department of Natural Resource Management (DGRN), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger (INRAN), BP 240 Maradi, Niger.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aims to characterize the diversity and distribution of woody forage species in the agrosystems of the Maradi region along a North-Central-South gradient. Data were collected in 187 plots of 50 x 50 m2 each, i.e., 2500 m² in area. These data were subjected to a factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) followed by a hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) with 50% similarity, which allowed the identification of three plant groupings, G1, G2, and G3, that characterize the Dakoro, Guidan Roumdji, and Madarounfa sites respectively. The results showed that a total of 13 families were identified in all zones, with a predominance of Fabaceae in Guidan Roumdji (81.25%), Dakoro (70.68%), and Madarounfa (41.35%). The highest tree density was obtained in Madarounfa (10.43 individuals/ha), followed by Guidan Roumdji (7.76 individuals/ha), and finally Dakoro (7.6 individuals/ha). The most dominant biological types are microphanerophytes in Guidan Roumdji (92.19%), followed by Mesophanerophytes in Dakoro (65.05%) and Madarounfa (62%). For the phytogeographic type, Sudano-Zambezian-Saharo-Sindian (SZ-Sah.S) species are the most dominant, followed by Sudano-Zambezian (SZ) species for all zones with more than 84%. These results can be indicators for decision-making in the region's fight against the degradation of plant biodiversity.
Keywords: Distribution, tree fodder, Maradi, North-Central-South gradient