Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (NRRD)

Managing Institute:
NRIL (Natural Resources International)

Contractor:
Cranfield Institute of Technology

Project Code: R4600 583-656-003	Start Date: 01/10/1990	End Date: 30/09/1992
Commitment: £42 573	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TDR

Project Background:
The project involves ecological/soil studies of ten forest plots set up at altitudinal intervals of 600m on the south eastern slopes of Mount Cameroon and forms part of a wider study of altitudinal zonation of tropical rain forests. The results of the project will also provide a resource for training and management of the recently designated Mount Cameroon Forest Reserve administered by Limbe Botanic Gardens.

Project Objectives:
The objectives of the project are: To investigate the altitudinal zonation of rain forests on Mount Cameroon by a quantitative assessment of floristics and structure of paired 0.25 hectare plots at approximately 600m intervals from near sea level to the tree line To characterise soil physical and chemical properties of the forest plots and to assess soil changes with depth and with altitude variation between plots and relation to changes in forest floristics and structure To determine the dynamics of soil forming processes on basaltic lavas and volcanic ash under rain forest at a range of altitudes To provide a quantitively evaluated altitudinal sequence of permanent forest plots which can be monitored at regular intervals in the future and provide a resource base for the Limbe Botanic Garden.