Effects of Seasonal Bush Burning on Indigenous Woody Plant Species Seed Germination and Seedling Survival in Kogi-West, North-Central Nigeria

Owa Frank Dele

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.9.no6.2026.pg223.239

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Effects of Seasonal Bush Burning on Indigenous Woody Plant Species Seed Germination and Seedling Survival in Kogi-West, North-Central Nigeria

Owa Frank Dele

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of seasonal bush burning on seed germination, seedling development, survival, and selected soil physicochemical properties of thirty indigenous woody species in Kogi-West, Nigeria. Seasonal fire remains one of the most pervasive ecological disturbances influencing vegetation dynamics in tropical savanna ecosystems. Despite its widespread occurrence across North-Central Nigeria, empirical information on how bush burning affects the regenerative capacity of indigenous woody species remains limited. The species were grouped into fire-tolerant, moderately fire-tolerant, and non-fire-tolerant categories and monitored under burnt and unburnt field conditions for six months using a randomized complete block design. Data were collected on germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling height, leaf production, survival rate, soil pH, organic matter content, available phosphorus, and ash depth. The findings revealed marked differences among fire- tolerance groups. Fire-tolerant species recorded superior performance in burnt plots, with mean germination, seedling height, and survival values of 78.6%, 35.5 cm, and 82.5%, respectively. Conversely, non-fire-tolerant species exhibited substantial declines in germination (33.8%), growth (14.7 cm), and survival (38.8%) following fire exposure. Soil analyses showed elevated pH and phosphorus levels in burnt plots but significant reductions in organic matter. The study demonstrates that seasonal bush burning functions as an ecological filter that favors fire- adapted woody species while constraining recruitment of fire-sensitive taxa. Continued annual burning may therefore accelerate shifts in species composition, reduce floristic diversity, and undermine ecosystem resilience. The study recommends integrated fire management, restoration of degraded sites, and targeted conservation of vulnerable indigenous woody species to sustain biodiversity and ecological stability within the Guinea Savanna of Kogi-West.

Keywords

Bush burningwoody speciesseed germinationseedling survivalfire ecologybiodiversity conservationKogi-West.

References

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Effects of Seasonal Bush Burning on Indigenous Woody Plant Species Seed Germination and Seedling Survival in Kogi-West, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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