TITLE:
Influence of Spatial Distribution on the Regeneration of Piptadeniastrum africanum and Ocotea usambaernsis in Kalikuku, Lubero, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
AUTHORS:
Lutumba Suika Achille, Kebin Zhang, Kambale Muhesi Eloge, Christian Jonathan Anona Kouassi, Mbangilwa Mukombe Michel
KEYWORDS:
Spatial Distribution, Natural Regeneration, Seedlings, Diameter Class
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.11 No.7,
July
20,
2021
ABSTRACT: The aim of our study is to highlight the spatial structure of the trees and to determine its influence on the natural regeneration of the Kalikuku dense forest, with a view of its optimal conservation and enhancement. Data collection was done by measuring diameter at breast height along 10 plots of 0.5 ha in size. In analyzing these data, the Dajoz test was used to determine the horizontal spatial distribution pattern of the two most abundant tree species in the forest (Piptadeniastrum africanum and Ocotea usambarensis). The χ2 test was used to compare the frequency distribution of diameter classes for the two species tested. To estimate the difference between the number of seedlings in aggregate versus non-aggregate areas, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. In addition, the equability index was used to test the preponderance of proportions between diameter classes. Finally, the natural regeneration index was evaluated.