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Effects of linear edges on tree communities and soil properties in a moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana

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Abstract

Edge disturbance can affect forest vegetation and soil properties, causing shifts in plant community structure. We investigated how linear forest edges influence tree community structure, soil properties, and the relationship of tree species composition with soil properties in a moist semi-deciduous forest, Ghana. We quantified tree community structure in 35 20 × 20-m plots each in forest edge and interior areas, and analyzed soil properties in the plots. Our findings revealed no significant difference in tree diversity between the forest edge and interior, although species composition differed considerably. The forest interior supported a significantly higher tree density than the forest edge, although basal area was similar between the edge and interior. Individual tree species exhibited different responses to the forest edge at varying magnitudes. Generally, light-demanding and shade-tolerant species showed associations with the forest edge and interior, respectively. Soils at the forest edge contained significantly lower Mg and higher Na concentrations than soils in the forest interior, while concentrations of other soil properties were similar between the forest edge and interior. Many of the soil properties (Na, Ca, P, Mg, effective cation exchange capacity, organic matter, soil texture) were uniquely associated with tree species composition in either the forest edge or interior. This study increases our understanding of linear edge effects on tree communities and soil properties, which can contribute to developing comprehensive edge theory for forest management.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the managers of Bobiri Forest Reserve for granting them access to the forest.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Patrick Addo-Fordjour, Albert Paintsil Arko, Nii Acquaye Pappoe, Daniel Yawson, Nancy Yeboah, Anthony RobertTsiquaye, Samuel Adu Fosu, Jane Ansah-Owusu, Love Danso Dankwa, Frederick Damoah Oppong, Timothy Kabuetteh Otu & Randy Edwin Russell

  2. Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Jennifer Abrokwah, Rita Naamwintome Puobe & Kofi Anane-Frimpong

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  1. Patrick Addo-Fordjour
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. PAF analyzed the data and led drafting of the manuscript, with inputs from all the other authors. All the authors, with the exception of PAF contributed equally to data collection.

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Correspondence to Patrick Addo-Fordjour.

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Addo-Fordjour, P., Abrokwah, J., Arko, A.P. et al. Effects of linear edges on tree communities and soil properties in a moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana. Plant Ecol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-024-01396-8

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