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No of Pages: 47

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Abstract:

Cattails (Typha latifolia) are noxious and invading species which are rapidly spread across water bodies. This study aims at determining the distribution and ecological effects of cattail on invaded ecosystems in Kwara State. Survey was made across the wetlands in the sixteen Local Government Areas in Kwara State. Out of these, wetlands of eight Local Government were selected due to the prevalence of cattails in them. Each location with cattail distribution was divided into three subplots which are the densely distributed (SD), sparely distributed (SS) and uninvaded subplots (SU). Cattails stands were uprooted in SD and SS to explore the cattail growth and yield while soil sample was collected in all the three subplots (SD, SS and SU) to analyse its effects on the soil physical and chemical properties. In comparison to the soil properties of SU, cattails relatively decreased the soil pH level, increased soil moisture content and had no effect on the soil texture. Cattails also mostly increased soil cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and soil anions (organic carbon, organic matter, phosphate and nitrate). They influenced the species composition and increased the species diversity of the natural ecosystems. So, this study concluded that cattail affects the species richness as well as soil physical and chemical properties in wetlands of Kwara State.