Ecological Study of the Poaceae Family on Different Ecosystems in the Awka Campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Its Surroundings

Abstract

Accelerated flora diversity loss through habitat destruction, fragmentation and, land use patterns caused by population growth, leading to changing patterns of vegetation has put the survival of many plants especially Poaceae species in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka campus and Amansea at risk. This research was an ecological study of Poaceae and soil seed bank dynamics in different land use ecosystem in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Amasea. The study evaluated the distribution/population of Poaceae in the different study areas; determine Poaceae diversity in abandoned farmland, Cattle grazed, watershed, and roadside ecosystems (environmental disturbance). Sampling for vegetation above ground was carried out using a 1m x 1m quadrat. Different species of Poaceae were sampled and results tested using analysis of variance and descriptive tools.  The species abundance/distribution of Poaceae across various study sites is shown in Tables 1-7. The results revealed that the number of sampled species within the Poaceae family varied across sites, with three (3) species identified in the heavily grazed site, ten (10) in the moderately grazed site, fifteen (15) in the roadside site, six (6) in the abandoned farmland site, twelve (12) each in the footpath and perennial watershed sites, and thirteen (13) in the annual watershed site. The results also indicated that Poaceae species hold significant ecological importance, playing diverse roles within ecosystems. Additionally, the result identified specific Poaceae species that thrived in different locations. Some, like P. maxium, B. deflexa, M. alternifolius, and S. pumila, performed significantly better due to favourable soil conditions, while others faced challenges in less supportive environments. Result of species diversity of Poaceace family in the various study sites revealed that all study plots were diverse with species of the Poaceace with equitability values close to 1. However, the Perennial watershed and Abandoned Farmland sites recorded the highest species diversity with equitability values of 0.9933 and 0.9914 respectively.The study recommended that areas with high Poaceae plant diversity and sensitivity should be targeted for conservation efforts and implementation of protective measures.