Influence of Drought on <i>Acacia senegal</i> (L.) Willd: Gum Yield within a Soil Moisture Gradient in North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

There had been a discernible shift in climate affecting the Sahelian zone of northern Nigeria. This attribute of drought influenced the rate of gum Arabic production in the North eastern axis. Therefore, these called for the studied of the Influence of drought on Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Gum yield within a Soil moisture gradient in north eastern Nigeria. Two studied areas were purposively selected based on the availability (Gujba and Nguru). Complete Randomised Design was employed with three (3) samples examined at six (6) levels in six different tapping periods. Also, systematic line transect of 1Km was laid at the middle of both plantations where 1m by 1m transect were further laid in four transect sample plots. The soil samples were collected with the aid of soil auger at different levels (0-25 cm, 25-50 cm, 50-75 cm, 75-100 cm, 100-150 cm, 150-200 cm). Data was subjected using analysis of variance with statistical analysis system and descriptive statistic was also employed. The results showed that mean yield of Gum Arabic is Gujba is higher than Nguru (45kg and 30kg) respectively. Furthermore, physiochemical properties showed that pH, aluminium calcium and magnesium in both plantations were very high which is harmful for plantation development. Therefore, there is need for proper conservation and silvicultural management for both study areas.