Carbon Stock Estimation Along Altitudinal Gradient in Sekele-Mariam Dry Evergreen Montane Forest, North-Western Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate carbon stock along altitudinal gradient of Sekele-Mariam dry Afromontane forest, NorthWestern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling was employed to collect tree/shrub diameter and height, litter and soil data. A total of 60 plots with 50m*50m size each with nested plot (1m*1m) size for litter and soil were laid on the transect line. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees/shrubs with DBH ≥ 5cm and height were measured. Carbon stock was estimated using allometric equation and soil organic carbon was analyzed in the laboratory following Walkley Black method. The result of this study revealed that Sekele-Mariam forest had stored a total of 185.71 ton carbon/ha within its aboveground, belowground, litter biomasses and soil. The higher carbon stock in all carbon pools was found at the higher altitudinal range (2395-2460 m a.s.l.). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) result indicated that carbon stock between altitudinal gradient was not significant. The study area had smaller stock of carbon in its biomass and therefore, better forest conservation and management are the best strategy to enhance the carbon stock of the study area.

Woody species diversity and carbon stock of church forests along age gradient in Dangila district, Awi-zone, Ethiopia

“…The mean total biomass carbon stock of the church forest in the district was comparable with Sekele-Mariam church forest (Mekonnen and Tolera, 2019) and lower than a similar study in Ethiopia conducted by Girma et 4). The variation of biomass carbon stock might be due to selective cutting, fuel-wood extraction, over exploitation, allometric equation used (Mekonnen and Tolera, 2019), management practice and micro climate.…”

“…The mean total biomass carbon stock of the church forest in the district was comparable with Sekele-Mariam church forest ( Mekonnen and Tolera, 2019 ) and lower than a similar study in Ethiopia conducted by Girma et al. (2014) ; Yilma & Derero (2020) ; Esubalew et al.…”

“…(2013) ( Table 4 ). The variation of biomass carbon stock might be due to selective cutting, fuel-wood extraction, over exploitation, allometric equation used ( Mekonnen and Tolera, 2019 ), management practice and micro climate.…”

“…As Moges et al (2010) estimated 2.76 billion tons of carbon was stored in the forest resources of Ethiopia (Moges et al, 2010). Among this, Dry Afromontane forests store a huge amount of aboveground carbon compared to other terrestrial ecosystems (Mekonnen and Tolera, 2019). As a remnant dry Afromontane Forest, EOTC forests as well as the church forests in Dangila district might have a considerable role for biomass carbon storage and climate change mitigation.…”

Role of Urban Forests for Carbon Emission Reduction in Addis Ababa:A review

“…This value is also much smaller than the values of other natural forest in Ethiopia. For example Danaba community forest 186.4 t ha -1 (Bazezew et al, 2015) Gedeo Forest 183.69 t ha -1 (Yohannes et al, 2015) and Sekele-Mariam forest 138.79 t ha -1 (Mekonnen & Tolera, 2019). As reported in (Luke, 2018) cited in (Mekonnen & Tolera, 2019), the average soil organic carbon in Ethiopia ranges from 94 to 133 ton/ha, urban forests SOC is in the range of this value.…”