Browsing by Author "Ligate, E. J"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Canonical correlation analysis across vegetation and soil properties of the disturbed and undisturbed coastal forest ecosystems
(Advances in Research, 2019) Ligate, E. J; Chen, C.
This study presents comparative initial information about canonical correlation across forest stand parameters, diversity indices and soil properties in undisturbed forest sites (IFS), agriculture disturbed sites (ADS) and livestock disturbed sites (DGS). Data were collected from Uzigua Forest Reserve in Tanzania. Forty- seven sample plots of 25 m × 25 m were randomly established on IFS, ADS and DGS from which tree inventory data and 141 soil samples were drawn. Data were subjected into Canoco windows 4.5 software for multivariate analyses and comparisons across IFS, ADS and DGS. The correlation of tree stand parameters (TSP) and soil physical properties (SPP) were F=1.207, p=0.242 in IFS, F=2.400, p=0.012 in ADS and F=0.529, p=0.938 in DGS. For soluble bases and TSP were F=2.448, p=0.018 in IFS, F=0.687, p=0.790 in ADS and F=0.743, p=0.808 in DGS. Carbon, nitrogen and potassium (CNP) and TSP were F=0.816, p=0.572 in IFS, F=0.687, p=0.790 in ADS and F=0.070, p=0.020 in DGS. The SPP and Shannon indices had F=1.103,p<0.388 in IFS, F=0.520, p=0.714 in ADS and F=0.932, p=0.444 in DGS. The SPP and Independent Value Index (IVI) were F=0.042, p=0.996 in IFS, F=0.819, p=0.620 in ADS and F=0.633, p=0.724 in DGS. Soluble bases and equitability were F=0.119, p=0.968 in IFS, F=0.001, p=0.001 in ADS and F=0.011, p=0.001 in DGS. The CNP and IVI had F=4.246, p=0.014 in IFS, F=2.729, p=0.018 in ADS and F=2.007, p=0.060 in DGS. The mean higher canonical correlation in the non-disturbed sites indicates that crop-agriculture and livestock grazing affect the interplays between forest vegetation and soil properties. Therefore, human activity disturbs the structure and soil properties.
Estimation of carbon stock in the regenerating tree Species of the intact and disturbed forest sites in Tanzania
(International journal of environment and climate change, 2018) Ligate, E. J; Chen, C.; Wu, C.
Estimation of carbon in the forests located in the coast of tropics is needed to support conservation and forest monitoring strategies. This study aimed at quantifying carbon stocks in the regenerating tree species of intact forest (IFS), disturbed by agriculture (ADS) and by livestock grazing sites (LDS) to understand the importance of coastal trees in carbon stocking as part of mitigating climate change impacts. Methodology: Thirty-three independent measurements of tree carbon stocks were carried out on 33 tree families found in the coastal zone of Tanzania. The vegetation was inventoried by means of a floristic survey of the woody component across intact, crop agriculture and livestock disturbed land use sites. The biomass was then estimated by employing the existing allometric equations for tropical forests. Thereafter, the above ground stored carbon was quantified on the sampled tree species found in each land uses. Results: The results showed that there were significant variations (p ≤ .05) of carbon stock values across species and land uses. The average carbon (Kg/ha) stored in the regenerated adult trees was 1200 in IFS, 600 in ADS, 400 in LDS. Saplings had 0.43 in LDS, 0.07 in ADS and 0.01 in IFS. Indeed, seedlings had the average of 0.41 in IFS, 0.22 in ADS and 0.05 in LDS. Conclusion: These findings show that crop-agriculture highly affects the regeneration potential of trees, biomass accumulation and carbon stock than livestock grazing. To restore carbon storagepotential of coastal tropical forests, crop-agriculture must be discouraged, while livestock grazing can be integrated in forest management. Indeed, further studies are required to gauge the integration levels of any anthropogenic activities, so that the natural capacity of coastal tropical forests to regenerate and stock carbon is not comprised further.
Evaluation of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in disturbed and intact tropical coastal forest sites in Tanzania
(International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2019) Ligate, E. J; Chen, C.
This study investigated and established the variation of soil nitrogen, total carbon and phosphorus across closed forest; crop-agriculture and livestock disturbed sites. The study provides useful information for local management strategies. It sets initial basic data on the soil status of Uzigua Forest Reserve after 50 years of crop-agriculture and livestock grazing pressure. Forty-seven (50 m × 50 m) quadrats were established on each land uses for soil samples collection. Total nitrogen was analyzed by Kjeldahl acid-digestion, total carbon by the Walkley-Black procedures and phosphorus by Bray-II method. The mean values (percentage) were nitrogen = 16.07 ± 0.34, 1.75 ± 0.25, 6.5 ± 0.20; carbon =14.48 ± 0.23, 11.81 ± 0.13, 12.24 ± 0.30; phosphorus =14.12 ± 6.57, 17.74 ± 3.96, and 13.31± 2.86 for closed forest; agriculture disturbed and grazed sites respectively. There was a slightly lower amount of total carbon on crop agriculture disturbed sites than on thelivestock grazed land uses. Carbon-nitrogen ratio was higher in closed forests than in the disturbed sites. The relationship between forest degradation and soil nutrient status is an indication that the below-ground nutrient pools are mainly determined by activities, which disturb the above-ground components mainly vegetation. To restore soil fertility status, it is important to establish the management of the disturbed sites through restoration of vegetation and minimization of disturbances.
Evaluation of tropical coastal land cover and land use changes and their impacts on ecosystem Service values
(nforma UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2018) Ligate, E. J; Chen, C.; Wu, C.
Understanding about land cover and land use (LCLU) changes, as well as the associated impacts on ecosystem service values (ESV) is extremely important in the management of coastal ecosystems globally. Thus, this study assessed temporal LCLU changes, the underlying socioeconomic drivers and dynamics of ESV in the coastal zone of Tanzania. The LCLU data for 2000 and 2010 were from the Globe Land 30 mapping products at 30-meter spatial resolution developed by National Geomatics Center of China, while 2016 images were produced from Landsat 8. Classification of images was done from Landsat TM/ETM+ for 2000, 2010, and 2016 years complemented with MODIS and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index time series, and Chinese HJ imagery. LCLU categories and ecosystem service coefficients were used to compute ESV on each LCLU categories. Between 2000 and 2016, farmland, shrub land, waterbody, and artificial surface expanded while forest, grazing land, and wetlands declined. The ESV increased on farmland, shrub land, and waterbody, while the decline was found on forest, grazing land, and wetlands. The ESV and the total population ratios declined from $80.4, 63.8, and $46.0 million in 2000, 2010, and 2016, respectively. Perfect positive correlation was on LCLU change and ESV, population and households in crop farming, livestock keeping, and bioenergy use. Population pressure and socioeconomic activities have amplified the degradation of the coastal ecosystems. If not abetted, there is a danger of further impairments on these ecosystems. We advise to regulate population and socioeconomic activities to avoid more negative impacts of coastal LCLU change.
Impacts of salt water intrusion on maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) production under climate change scenarios in Bagamoyo district-Tanzania
(Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017) Ligate, E. J; Kitila, M. M; Chen, C.; Wu, C.
Salt water intrusion is a challenge on production of human staple foods Zea mays and Oryza sativa in the changing climate, along the global coastal zones. Information on how salinity affects these crops is essential in developing scientific mitigations for sustainable food production. This study was conducted to investigate salt water intrusion and its impacts on Zea mays and Oryza sativa production in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. Soil and water samples were collected along 14 km of Wami River for determination of NaCl and pH. Direct observations, surveys and questionnaire protocols were used to collect socio-economic data. Along 14 km, soil pH average was 6.5 (acidic) while that of water was 8 (basic). Salinity was high within 5 km and then declined towards 14 km away. Zea mays and Oryza sativa declined from averages of 18 to 8bags/acre/crop season. The impacts of salinity were clear on farms within 5 km from the Ocean than at 14 km. Salt intrusion is associated with climate change along the Tanzania coastal zone. Agriculturists, environmentalists and policy makers must work jointly to mitigate SWI impacts in Changing Climate. These efforts will help to improve crop production and ensure food security and income of the people along the coastal zones.
Soluble bases and cec variation across Undisturbed and disturbed coastal forests in Tanzania
(Book Publisher International,, 2019) Ligate, E. J; Chen, C.
Understanding of different levels of soil calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and percentage base saturation (BS), is important in the management of forest ecosystems. However, there is limited documentation on the status of these elements in the undisturbed forest sites (CFS) crop-agriculture (ADS) and livestock grazing (DGS) disturbances in the tropical coastal forests. This chapter attempts to address this deficit by presenting soil fertility based on exchangeable bases’ status and variations across undisturbed forest sites (used as a control), crop-agriculture and livestock disturbed sites in the coastal zone of Tanzania. The chapter aims to add knowledge on the management of tropical coastal forests. Indeed, this chapter shows that crop-agriculture and livestock grazing disturb soil chemical properties in tropical coastal forests. Therefore, it is essential to protect undisturbed forest while putting more efforts to restore the disturbed sites for sustainable forest management along the coastal areas.
The status of forest ecosystem services and their management: the case of Uzigua forest reserve in Tanzanian coastal forests
(Natural Resources and Conservation, 2017) Ligate, E. J; Wu, S-Z; Chen, C.
Sustainable forest production and management require an understanding of how people identify and understand coastal forests ecosystems (CFEs) services and their management. This study was conducted to understand how local people are aware about status of coastal forest services and their implications on the current management options. We conducted a survey at Uzigua Forest Reserve in Bagamoyo district, Pwani Region-Tanzania. Interviews and questionnaires were used to cross-examine 178 respondents followed by one triangulation workshop to fine tune the findings and avoid biased responses. We found that, an understanding of a full range of services provided by coastal forests ecosystems is lacking. Although local people are aware of activities causing forest’s degradation, still they don't have alternative livelihood means to sustain life independent of forest resources. These deficits are key factors that hinder efforts for management of coastal forests thus contributing to nonstop degradation of coastal forests along the coastal zone of Tanzania. Efforts are required to ensure that local people are aware about services and management benefits. We hope that these efforts will contribute to stop the loss of existing forest and mitigate impacts on the ecological services provided by these forests.