An Environmentalist, Mr Habib Omotosho has advised government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to develop forestry being part of the initiatives to controlling soil temperature.
Omotosho, the National Coordinator of Environmental Advancement Initiatives, an NGO, gave the advice in an interview in Abuja On Thursday.
According to him, forests usually reduce the maximum soil temperature and increase the minimum soil temperature with the depth of the soil.
“The influence of the forest in reducing the maximum soil temperature result partly from the shade of the crowns and partly from the insulation of the forest floor.
“The influences of forest vegetation on freezing of soil are of great importance. Soil under a forest usually remains soft when that in the open is frozen to considerable depth,’’ he said.
Omotosho said forests modified physical and chemical properties of soil through addition of organic matter, decomposition of leaves and other plant parts, root penetration and activity of other animals inhabiting the forest.
According to him, the forest is more than a defence against erosion.
“Forest influence upon water production is a controversial subject.
“Some attribute all the desirable qualities of streams which issue from forest land to climate and geology.
“Some, on the other hand, are so certain that the forest alone is responsible for good water supplies.’’
Omotosho urged Nigerians, particularly rural women, to plant more trees to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
He said trees were imperative as they absorb gases and smokes polluted into the atmosphere.
The environmentalist said trees also absorb carbon dioxide breathed out by human beings and released oxygen for human beings to breathe in.
