Carbon stocks and sequestration potential of dry forests under community management in Tigray, Ethiopia
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Date
2017-06-20
Authors
Solomon, Negasi
Birhane, Emiru
Tadesse, Tewodros
Treydte, Anna C.
Meles, Kiros
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Open
Abstract
Introduction: Forests form a major component of the carbon (C) reserves in the world’s ecosystems. However, little
is known on how management influences C stocks of woody vegetation, particularly in dry areas. We developed
regression models for two dominant tree species to predict C stocks and quantified the potential of community
managed forests as C sinks.
Methods: Plots were randomly selected from community-managed natural forest, herbivore exclosures, and from
communal grazing land. Tree and shrub biomass were estimated using a regression model on the most dominant
woody species while herbaceous biomass was determined using destructive sampling.
Results: The simplest model, based on only one single predictor variable, showed a good fit to the data for both
species (Juniperus procera and Acacia abyssinica). Diameter at breast height (r2 > 0.95) was a more reliable predictor
than height (r2 > 0.54), crown diameter (r2 > 0.68) (p < 0.001). The C content of the total biomass for the managed
natural forest and the exclosure were estimated as, 58.11 and 22.29 Mg ha−1, respectively, while that for the grazing
land was 7.76 Mg ha−1, and the mean carbon content between the three land uses were significantly different
(p < 0.05).
Conclusions: We conclude that forests managed by the community have a high potential for C sequestration and
storage and their conservation should be promoted.
Sustainable Development Goals
Research Article published by Springer Open
Keywords
Allometric functions, Livestock pressure, Woody and grassy vegetation,