Allometric Equation for Biomass Estimation of Cordia africana Lam. in Tumata Chirecha Agroforestry Gedeo Zone: Implication for Sustainable Management and Climatic Change Mitigation

Abstract

Species specific allometric equation is important for accurate net aboveground biomass estimation and quantifying carbon stock in living tree biomass of terrestrial ecosystems. This study was undertaken to develop species-specific allometric equation non-destructively of the Cordia africana Lam in Tumata Chirecha KPA agroforestry Gedeo Zone. Currently, like that of most Ethiopian agroforestry such model did not exist for this particular study area. The data was taken from 12 individuals with DBH class intervals in between (20-60 cm). Preferential sampling method was used to collect data from four rectangular plots each with a 10m*20m. The allometric equations were developed by relating tree component biomass to DBH or basal diameter. And the post analysis was highly significant (P > 0.000) fit for linear models for all the components and displayed minimal bias. Cordia africana Lam had a mean total biomass of 442.02 kg. It is understood that previously published general allometric model in agroforestry reveal errors of over estimation of biomass, and propose the new equations to be used in the future for the selected indigenous species. And it would create an opportunities for sustainable management of agroforestry and to mitigate climatic change through increasing the household income.

Keywords: Allometric equation, Biomass, Gedeo Zone, Tumata Chirecha KPA