Estimating above ground biomass and carbon stock of Ambiki remnant natural forest, Guangua district, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Reducing CO₂ emissions and carbon (C) sequestration have paramount importance to reverse climate change-induced challenges. Natural forests have great potential to sequester more C; hence, participatory forest management (PFM) has been practiced in Ambiki Remnant Natural forest (ARNF). Despite this, there are limitations of quantitative baseline data to evaluate the effect of PFM on C stock. This study was conducted at ARNF in Guangua district to estimate the above ground biomass (AGB) and below ground biomass (BGB) and C stock of the forest.47 circular sample plots were established through systematic grid distance (500m) having 314m2area. Inventory on diameter at breast height (≥ 5 cm) and Height (m) for 33 species (630 trees) was conducted. AGB of each species was calculated using the recommended allometric equation and BGB was calculated as 27% of the AGB. C stocks of the forest were also calculated as 50% of the biomass. As a result, AGB and BGB of the forest was 226.56 ton/ha and 61.2 ton/ha and the AGC and BGC was also 113.28 ton/ha and 30.59 ton/ha, respectively. Of which, 39.9%, 20.24%, 18.6%, and 19.67% were contributed by Albizia schimperiana, Prunus africana, Croton macrostachys, and others respectively. Our result was lower compared to that of other forests and gained by a few species. Even though, it could be used as baseline information to know additive C via PFM practice in the forest. Furthermore, assisted natural regeneration and integrated management approaches are needed to enrich forest species and sequester more C in short period.