Estimation of Biophysical Properties in Lower River Kaduna Catchment Area Kaduna, Nigeria

Understanding the nature and composition of vegetation resources in Nigeria is very valuable. Biophysical properties of lower river Kaduna catchment area was estimated. ModisTerra imageries from 2000-2014 were used to extract NDVI and Kc. Mann- Kendall and Sen’s Slope analysis were computed for both the indices. The results of the study revealed that both the indices exhibited a similar pattern of vegetation variation. It also indicates that the Afaka forest reserve has the highest NDVI and Kc value. The result also reveals that during spring and autumn there is an increase of vegetation while winter and summer, as well as that of annual, indicate a decrease of vegetation This result shows a depletion of the vegetation which might be a consequence of human activities particularly agricultural purposes and deforestation as well as climate variability. It also has implication for global carbon dioxide loading and temperature.