Carbon Stock Estimation of Selected Tree Species of Gambo Plantation Forest, The Case of Arsi Negelle, Ethiopia

Abstract

Carbon stock assessment is important to estimate carbon stock potential of forest. In Ethiopia, assessment of carbon stock potential of forest begun in recent years. Though, different studies have been made in Ethiopian forests, Gambo Plantation Forest has not yet been studied. So, the aim of this study was to analyze the carbon stock potential of selected tree plant species in Gambo plantation forest. A systematic random sampling method was used to take samples. Sampling plot of (20m x 20 m) was established for each species. The diameter was measured at breast height to estimate biomass of trees in sampling plots. Tree height was recorded by using a measuring hypsometer. Soil and Litter samples were collected from the field with five sub-plots within each major plot. Results revealed that the total mean carbon stock of the Gambo plantation forest was 795.51t/ha of which above ground carbon share 407.07, below ground carbon 80.37, litter fall carbon share 1.43 and soil organic carbon was 306.64 ( up to 30cm depth). The ultimate result implies that Gambo plantation forest is a reservoir of high carbon stock. The presence of high range value of carbon stock in the sites indicates its potential to mitigate climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Effective forest revenue system should be in place, and revenues generated from all marketed forest goods and services should be reinvested in the sector for the sustainable production and forest management.

Keywords/Phrase: Above ground biomass, Carbon sequestration, Litter fall, Plantation forest, Soil organic carbon

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-8-01

Publication date:October 31^st 2023