Carbon storages and sequestration potentials in remnant forests of different patch sizes in northern Ethiopia: an implication for climate change mitigation

Abstract

Background Forests provide various ecosystem services. They are natural capitals that enhance nature to regulate itself via carbon sinks. However, anthropogenic and natural factors have altered their CO2 sequestration and carbon storage potentials. This study is aimed for examining the effect of patch size and biomass extraction on carbon stocks in northern Ethiopia. A total of 61 sample plots measuring 20 m × 20 m size each (0.04 ha) had been systematically assigned on patches classified into three size categories. However, the numbers of plots taken per patch were different with their sizes. Moreover, stump density has been computed at each plot to estimate the difference in the level of disturbance among patches. Carbon stocks had been estimated via models previously developed. One-way ANOVA was used to examine a variation in carbon stocks and sequestration potentials. Besides, a linear regression analysis was discretely done to examine the relationship between patch sizes, disturbance level, and carbon stocks. Results The overall aboveground biomass (ton ha−1) for the studied patches was 2059.13. There was a statistically significant variation in carbon stocks (ton ha−1) among patch size categories. The mean levels of disturbance ranges from 10.83% ± 1.30 to 30.8% ± 4.04. However, statistically significant difference in the level of disturbance was observed between large and small patch size categories, respectively (p < 0.05). Besides, a regression analysis confirmed a significant and negative relationship between patch size and patch disturbances (R2 = 0.65, p < 0.05). However, significant positive relation between carbon stocks (ton ha−1) and patch size (R2 = 0.53, p < 0.05) had observed. Conclusions In general, patch size and biomass extinction significantly influenced carbon stocks and CO2 sequestration potentials of forests. Consequently, with the pressing need to mitigate the effects of rising atmospheric CO2, maximizing carbon storage in the forest ecosystem is increasingly considered a viable management strategy. Therefore, disturbed land restoration, increasing forest patch size, sustainable management, and conservation of the existing remnant forest patch is needed to enhance carbon stocks and CO2 sequestration potentials.

Balancing Livestock Environmental Footprints with Forestry-Based Solutions: A Review

“…These forests take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into carbohydrates, leading to the accumulation of more tree biomass over time and its storage in the soil [123][124][125][126]. This process is termed as sequestering and storing of carbon for the mitigation of climate change [127,128] as forest plays a role in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere [129]. Hence, even though livestock farming emits greenhouse gases all year round, these gases can be offset through carbon sequestration (Figure 2).…”

Carbon storages and sequestration potentials of Sulula Mofa Forest Northern Ethiopia: Implications of managing forests for climate change mitigation

“…The studies made on the biomass of trees in Ethiopia is very limited and even the available studies have focused on small diameter ranges and on limited species including Eucalyptus and Acacia trees (Muluneh & Worku., 2022;Siraj, 2019;Fantu et al, 2010;Bazezew et al, 2015). Ethiopia is endowed with natural vegetation where oristic and fauna life forms dynamic ecosystems.…”

“…There is great interest in assessing forest carbon stock (Djomo et al, 2016) and therefore, it is considered as the global issue and large scale CO 2 emission reductions are required with strict limits on each country to what level carbon is absorbed to mitigate climate change (Condit, 2008). In Ethiopia, there are inadequate data in the form of carbon accumulation records or databank to assess the carbon sequestration potential of different forests (Muluneh & Worku., 2022;Siraj, 2019). Forests are a current focus for action since they play an important role in mitigating climate change by naturally taking carbon out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis process (Watson et al, 2000).…”

Urban Flora Structure and Carbon Storage Potential of Woody Trees in Different Land Use Units of Cotonou (West Africa)

“…Urban expansion is a major cause of climate change through land use change, biodiversity loss, invasion, and pollution [5]. These environmental challenges also threaten the sustainability of the world's cities, which to a large extent depends on the nature and extent of ecosystem services provided by the biodiversity in urban areas [6,7].…”

“…2023, 7, 106 2 of 15 climate, urban environment, urban planning [8,9], and the socioeconomic well-being of urban residents [10]. Urban areas are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, as 75% of carbon emissions come from cities and are responsible for 70-80% of global energy consumption [5]. However, urbanization does not lead to a total loss of vegetation, as city dwellers would normally create and manage green spaces, some of which can be considered urban forests with a good level of tree cover [11].…”