Assessment of Tree above Ground Biomass and Total Carbon Content Sequestered by Indigenous Tree Species in Sakponba Forest Reserve in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is widely known that forest contain more carbon than the entire atmosphere. This study assessed tree above ground biomass (AGB) and total carbon content (TC) sequestered by indigenous tree species in Sakponba forest reserve in Edo State using non-destructive ground base survey. Tree growth data such as Diameter at breast height (Dbh) and Tree height (Th) were collected using a cluster-nested plot design. Information on individual trees’ Dbh of ≥ 5 cm was collected from a total of 18 plots of 6 clusters using lacer ace hypsometer and diameter girth tape. Aboveground Biomass and carbon sequestered by each trees were estimated using allometric equations while Number of tree species per hectare, species composition and diameter class size distribution were all evaluated. Results revealed Funtumia elastica (9 species/ha), Ricinodendron heudoletii (8 species/ha) and Strombosa postulata (8 species/ha) and Trichilia monodelpha (7 species/ha) as part of the tree species found in the reserve while Meliacae, Leguminoseae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Sterculiacea were the most dominant families identified in the forest. A total AGB and carbon of 462.35 Mg Ha-1 and 231.16 Mg Ha-1 were sequestered respectively in the Sakponba forest reserve. The results revealed that, like plantation, natural forests also have great potentials for carbon sequestration. Therefore, it is suggested that establishing more plantations and keep them for longer period of time will be helpful in carbon sequestration for global climate change mitigation.