Ecosystem Service Potentials of Edaphic-Vegetation Profile in Iyi-Mgbiligba Watershed Forest, Azagba-Ogwashi, Delta State, Nigeria

Watersheds are specialized forest ecosystems endowed with the potential for water Regulation, edaphic and biodiversity support but are fast becoming threatened by anthropogenic activities, particularly agriculture, deforestation and urbanization. This study examined the intactness of edaphic and vegetation components of the Iyi-Mgbiligba watershed in Azagba-Ogwashi, Delta State to support ecosystem services. Soil and forest floor litter components were determined for soil physicochemical properties and organic matter, vegetation species diversity and distribution within established fragmented watershed. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation matrix. Results showed a sand content ranging from 809 – 882 g/kg, with 0.001skewness and -3.328 kurtosis, indicating a symmetric and flatter distribution than normal; significant differences (p < 0.05) in sand, clay, and moisture contents between groups; significant and positive correlation between organic matter with cation exchange capacity (0.99), and exchangeable acidity (0.90) but negatively correlated with C/N ratio (-0.99) to suggest interactions for soil fortification. Stand vegetation root assay was significantly skewed (1.25) and kurtotic (2.21) for deciduous species, implicating positive influence on soil aggregation as a significant interdependence relationship for the sustainable service life of soil stabilization, improved water infiltration, and contribution to nutrient management among anthropogenic activities in Iyi-Mgbligba watershed.