Quantification and analysis of pastureland characteristics along a land use gradient at W Biosphere Transboundary Reserve in Bénin

Abstract

Finding suitable indicators to detect early change in pastureland is necessary for a sustainable pastureland’s management. In that way, the study aimed to determine pastureland characteristics which can be used as indicators to be monitor for a sustainable management of pastureland around W Biosphere Transboundary Reserve in Bénin. Thus 36 plots (10 m X 10 m) were randomly sampled along transects of land use type going from communal lands to protected area. Herbaceous biomass harvesting and point quadrat list were undertaken. Biomass, grazing value and rate of unpalatable plant species between and within land use type were assessed. Results showed that the mean pastureland primary productivity was significantly (F = 13.9; p = 0.002) different between the various land use types. The grazing value of pastureland decreased significantly (F = 5.3; p = 0.03) along land use gradient from the protected area to the communal land while the rate of unpalatable plant species increased. A negative relationship between grasses biomass productivity and rate of unpalatable plant species in all pastureland types was found. In the protected area, findings showed that grasses plant species richness was positively correlated with grasses biomass production.The study highlights grasses plant species richness, rate of unpalatable plant species and grazing value as relevant indicators for monitoring pastureland state. These results can be used for a better management of pastureland in and around W Biosphere Transboundary Reserve in Bénin.