Estimation of carbon stocks in Uchindile forest plantation, Kjlombero District, Tanzania
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Date
2009
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The study reported here was conducted to estimate carbon stocks in Uchindile forest
plantation, Kilombero district, Tanzania. The tested hypothesis was Pinus patula and
Eucalyptus saligna plantations had similar carbon sequestration. Data was collected from
two main plantation species i.e. Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna. Stratified random
sampling design was adopted. Three sample plots measuring 20 m x 20 m were established
in each stand. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height were measured for stand data
estimation, especially volume. Top soil samples 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths were
sampled. Then, total biomass and soil carbon stored in the plantation was prepared using
Microsoft Excel. The CO2FIX was used to estimate biomass and soil carbon in the two
plantations. Lundgren equations were used to estimate biomass in the pine plantations. For
each species, stand ages selected were 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. Field data results indicated that
at year 4, 6, 8, and 10 Pinus patula plantations sequestered stand biomass C of 7.48, 21.34,
42.22 and 61.48 Mg Cha1. Eucalyptus saligna plantations sequestered stand biomass C of
43.5, 137.53 and 183.71 Mg Cha’1. Pinus patula plantation had mean soil C of 81.29,
80.03, 76.76 and 76.47 Mg Cha'1 at year 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. Eucalyptus saligna
plantation had mean soil C of 73.65, 86.06 and 77.77 Mg Cha’1 at year 6, 8 and 10. The
two plantations sequestered total C of 218.18, 342.04 and 399.43 Mg Cha’1 at year 6, 8 and
10, respectively. This translates to 800.72, 1255.29 and 1465.91 Mg COjha’1, at the
respective ages. Mg COzha’1 = Mg Cha’1 multiplied by 3.67. The T test indicated a very
significant (P<0.05) difference in carbon sequestration between the two plantation species.
Eucalyptus plantations sequestered 1.15 to 1.89 times more carbon in comparison to the
pine.
Description
Master of science in management of natural resources for sustainable agriculture
Keywords
Pinus patula, Eucalyptus saligna plantations, Biomass, Carbon stocks, Uchindile forest plantation, Kjlombero District, Tanzania