Abstract:
Although tropical rain forests are rich in biodiversity and play major roles in vegetation, soil and water quality and socio-economic needs, people have imposed
stress on them. The study examined vegetation, soil and water characteristics linked
to anthropogenic activities— logging, mining and farming in the Atewa Range
Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghana. The study sites were categorized into highly
stressed vegetation (HSV), moderately stressed vegetation (MSV) and non-stressed
vegetation (NSV). Attributes of plant species composition and structure were
determined using 50 m x 50 m plots. Tree biomass and carbon stock were
determined from allometric equations using tree diameter measurements. Plant
diversity was estimated using Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indice. The
intensity of anthropogenic influence between 1986 and 2016 was analysed using
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index techniques. Soil organic carbon was
determined using Walkley-Black method. River Birim was sampled and tested for
physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as heavy metals. The total
mean woody plant density was similar and higher for MSV and lower in HSV.
Above-ground carbon stock was not significantly different among the three stress
levels but below-ground carbon stocks were significantly different at the three
stress levels. The forest decreased at the rate of 2 km2 per annum between 1986 and
2016. Soil pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon and nutrients (NPK) differed
significantly. Physicochemical properties and heavy metals of the water showed
significant variation at the various stress levels. Anthropogenic stressors have
negatively impacted the vegetation, soil and water quality of the ARFR, therefore,
there is a need for stringent management policies to control human activities.
