Research Article
Footprints of Edge Communities’ Exploitation of a Plant Species (Guiboutia Copallifera) Within Its Distributional Range in Sierra Leone
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
9-20
Received:
12 January 2025
Accepted:
2 February 2025
Published:
11 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251301.12
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Abstract: This study investigates the impact of human activity on the diversity, abundance, and species composition of trees in southwestern Sierra Leone's Kasewe Forest Reserve. The specific objectives are to assess the historical use of Guibourtia copallifera in relation to the reserve and examine community relations with this species. Primary data were collected through a floristic inventory and key informant interviews, focusing on the use of forest land and floral resources. A total of 1,294 living specimens from 74 tree species and 12 lianas, belonging to 61 genera in 27 families, were recorded in the study. The most dominant species were Guibourtia copallifera, followed by Nesogordonia papaverifera, Memecylon normandii, and Gmelina arborea. Other species recorded at lower levels include Homalium africanum, Lindackeria dentata, Pentadesma butyracea, and Santiria trimera. Additionally, 675 stumps from 42 genera in 29 families were identified, with 88 trees showing harvesting marks. The study also recorded 147 old charcoal pits and 76 new charcoal pits. In the Kasewe Forest Reserve, 13 patches of Gmelina arborea plantations, along with 26 old and 11 new farms, were recorded. The study revealed that rapid anthropogenic activities and poor forest management have led to a decline in tree diversity. Edge communities remain crucial for the reserve's health, management, and future. Traditions, culture, and customs play a key role in the reserve's services and products, but the full historical use of the area is poorly documented. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective forest development and a recovery plan for degraded areas.
Abstract: This study investigates the impact of human activity on the diversity, abundance, and species composition of trees in southwestern Sierra Leone's Kasewe Forest Reserve. The specific objectives are to assess the historical use of Guibourtia copallifera in relation to the reserve and examine community relations with this species. Primary data were co...
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Research Article
Effects of Biochar and Chitosan on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Salt Stress
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2025
Pages:
21-29
Received:
3 February 2025
Accepted:
22 February 2025
Published:
11 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jps.20251302.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses that hindering growth and yield of rice. Biochar (BC) and Chitosan (CHT) has been shown to promote growth and yield of plants. However, it still unexplored whether the use of soil amendment BC and exogenous CHT can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt stress on rice. Hence, the current study explored the effect of BC and CHT to rice variety BRRI dhan100 grown under 80 mM NaCl stress conditions. The experiment was sequenced according to a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates. Six different treatments namely control (control, neither salt nor biochar or chitosan), BC (5%), CHT (200 ppm), NaCl (80 mM), NaCl plus biochar (NaCl+BC, 80 mM NaCl plus 5% biochar) and NaCl plus chitosan (NaCl+CHT, 80 mM NaCl plus 200ppm chitosan) were used in the experiment. The results confirmed that salt stress negatively affected plant height, number of tillers, leaf area, total chlorophyll concentrations, SPAD value, yield and yield contributing characters of rice plants. However, MDA content and Na+/K+ ratio significantly increased under salt stress. The use of biochar and chitosan led to significant increases in plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll concentrations, SPAD value, yield as well as yield contributing characters of salt-stressed BRRI dhan100 plants; however these treatments cause significant decreases in MDA content and Na+/K+ ratio in the salt-stressed rice plants. The results demonstrated the significance of biochar and chitosan in mitigating the detrimental impacts of salt on growth and yield of BRRI dhan100 plants.
Abstract: Salinity is one of the leading abiotic stresses that hindering growth and yield of rice. Biochar (BC) and Chitosan (CHT) has been shown to promote growth and yield of plants. However, it still unexplored whether the use of soil amendment BC and exogenous CHT can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt stress on rice. Hence, the current study expl...
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,
Aiah Lebbie
