Floristic Diversity and Net Primary Production in the M’fimi Basin (DRC): Correlational Analysis and Ecological Implications

Publication Date : 26/04/2026

DOI: 10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i2.262

Author(s) :

Pascal Nkoso Bakwita, André Nzita Mampuya, Constatin Ayingweu Lubini, Cush Luwesi Ngonzo.

Volume/Issue :

Volume 5

Issue 2

(04 - 2026)

Abstract :

Net primary production (NPP) is a key indicator of ecosystem health and agricultural sustainability. In the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically the M’fimi River watershed in Mai-Ndombe Province, this study examines the impact of species diversity on fresh forage mass and water content, key elements for crop productivity. The main objective of this study is to analyze how the number of plots influences these essential variables and to assess the correlative relationships between biodiversity and primary production. The methodology employed consists of a statistical evaluation using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's correlation method. Data were collected from 15 numbered plots, in which fresh forage mass, dry mass, and water content were measured. A DataFrame was created using Python Anaconda libraries such as pandas, enabling in-depth analysis of the relationships between the different variables. The results show no significant correlation between the number of plots and the mass of fresh forage, with a p-value of 0.8896. In contrast, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.559, p = 0.030) was observed between the number of species per plot and the mass of forage, highlighting the importance of biodiversity for crop production. A negative trend was also identified, indicating that plots located in areas less favorable to biodiversity exhibit lower fresh forage production. This study recommends appropriate natural resource management and the improvement of plant diversity to maximize biomass production. These results underscore the need for an integrated approach that considers environmental conditions to optimize agricultural productivity and ensure ecosystem sustainability. The lessons learned from this research highlight the importance of biodiversity in crop productivity, which could contribute to sustainable agricultural development strategies in the DRC.