By: AGBELADE A. D.; Lawal A. .;
Abstract:
This study aimed at evaluating the potential of community-managed forests to sequestration carbon. Systematic line
transect was employed in the laying of the plots. Atotal of 8 sample plots in each community-based forest were used
and soil samples were taken from four soil depths for soil carbon determination. Non-destructive method was used in
the estimation of volume, above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass and carbon stock. The result also revealed
significant difference in tree volume, biomass and carbon stock between the two forests. Tree Biomass and carbon
stock were significantly higher in Ogun Onire community forest (48173.07 kg/ha, 30.02 T/ha) than in the community
herbal heritage forest (10.745.31 kg/ha, 6.07 T/ha). Soil organic carbon estimated for Ogun Onire community forest
(126.59 Tg) was significantly higher than that of community herbal heritage forest (67.95 Tg). Higher tree volume,
biomass and carbon stock obtained for Ogun Onire community forest could be traced to the stiffer conservation
measure put in place by the community as compared to the community herbal heritage forest where traces of
encroachment and cultivation of arable crops were found. For sustainable availability of forest resources in
community herbal heritage forest, severe conservation measure is recommended.
Keywords: Above-ground biomass; Soil carbon; Carbon sequestration and Community-based natural; forest;
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