Abstract
Forests play an important role in storing biomass carbon and soil organic carbon to mitigate the risk of global climate change. However, the carbon stocking process was affected by various environmental factors such as elevation, aspect, and slope.
Thus, the present study was aimed to estimate the potential of carbon stock variation along altitudinal gradients in the study area. Based on the altitude gradient and digital elevation model, the study area was stratified into two strata (lower and higher altitude). A systematic transect sampling method was laid and navigated using a compass, meter tape, and GPS to identify and locate each 60 representative sampling plots (15mx20m each) with an interval of 250m between transect line and consecutive plots. Litter and soil samples were collected from five and three subplots respectively (1m2 each) at four corners and one at the center of the main plot. The allometric equation was used to estimate AGB while, BGB was determined using the root-to-shoot ratio method. The data were analyzed by using Minitab statistical software. The result of the present study revealed that the total mean carbon stock density of 287.35 ton/ha whereas, AGB and BGB carbon shares 110.4 ± 12 ton/ha and 28.75 ± 3.12 ton/ha respectively. Also, the share of litter carbon was 1.28 ± 0.08 ton/ha and soil organic carbon was 146.92 ± 8.75 ton/ha (up to 60cm depth). The higher AGC and BGC stock were estimated in higher altitude than the lower altitude gradient while; higher litter carbon and soil organic carbon stock was estimated in lower altitude than higher altitude class. However, except soil organic carbon stock, the carbon storage in all carbon pools was not shown a significant difference. Therefore, the final result of the study area was indicated an important carbon reservoir in all carbon pools and can play a major role to mitigate the current climate change.
Keywords: Higher altitude, Lower altitude, Anchebbi forest, Biomass carbon, Allometric equation.
