Evaluation of Carbon Stock across Different Forest Physiognomy in a Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated carbon stock in above-ground biomass across different physiognomies in Obafemi Awolowo University tropical rainforest ecosystem. This was with a view of increasing the understanding of carbon cycle in tropical rainforest in Nigeria. Two 20 m x 20 m plots were marked out in the secondary forest, Tectona grandis and Riparian vegetations. Total enumeration was carried out for the living tree, the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of trees ≥10 cm were measured at 1.3 m above the ground and height was also determined using a ranging pole and Haga altimeter. Aboveground carbon stocks in standing trees ranged from 218.24 to 318.92 C t ha-1 with the highest value in Tectona grandis plantation. Trees with DBH size class 11-20 cm contributed more to Carbon stock in secondary forest and Tectona grandis plantation, while size class ≥60 cm contributed more in the riparian vegetation. Tectona grandis plantation proved to be better in mitigating carbon in our environment and this result will enhance better estimates of local and regional carbon stock which is crucial to addressing the problems of climate change.