Tropical Plant Research

Tropical Plant Research

An International Journal by Society for Tropical Plant Research

ISSN (E): 2349-1183 ISSN (P): 2349-9265
Journal is inviting manuscripts for its coming issue. Contact us for more details.
2019, VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3Pages: 438-451

Carbon stock in the Dirki woodland vegetation of Central Ethiopia: A case study in Ilu Gelan District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State

Deresa Abetu* and Tamirat Bekele
*Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), Jimma Botanic Garden, P.O. Box, 1823, Jimma, Ethiopia
Viewed: 1715  -  Downloaded: 886
Abstract:
The study was conducted in one of the woodland vegetation in central Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to estimate the total amounts of carbon stock along the altitudinal gradient of Dirki vegetation. Seven transect lines were systematically established along the altitudinal gradient to collect above ground biomass data of woody species of ≥ 5cm diameter. A total of 54 sample plots (400 m2 = 20 m × 20 m area) were established on each transect line at 25 meter above sea level intervals. From the 54 sample plots, 86 woody species of 39 families were identified and used for the biomass estimation. The average quantity of carbon stored in the woody species was about 137.5 t ha-1; Above Ground Biomass (AGB) 87.77 C t ha-1 and below ground biomass (BGB) 17.5 C ha-1. The average carbon stock of lower altitude was larger than the upper altitudinal 103.36 C t ha-1 and 34.14 C t ha-1, respectively. This implies that, higher amount of carbon storage was recorded in above ground biomass, and lower at below ground biomass. Even if low woody species biomass and DBH were observed at higher altitude, higher density of woody species was observed at higher altitude than the lower altitude. To sum up, in the woodland ecosystem of the study area the amounts of carbon stock was decreased with increasing altitude. Therefore, to maintain the existing carbon stock in the AGB anthropogenic disturbances that cause loss of carbon from AGB has to be reduced using different management strategies.
01243594