Woody plant species composition, richness and carbon storage in disturbed tropical riparian forests
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Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation,
Abstract
Riparian forests play a vital role in the
functioning of river systems and
biodiversity protection. However, rapid land
use and land cover changes due to human
activities have led to their degradation and
loss of valuable environmental services they
offer. To plan for wise use and facilitate
development of improved management
strategies, it is important to understand
riparian forests structure and carbon storage
particularly for sites that are not fully
protected. Therefore, a study was carried out
to determine woody plant species
composition, density, richness and above
ground carbon storage in disturbed riparian
forests of Morogoro, Tanzania. Thirty (30)
sampling plots measuring 10 x 20 m each
were laid systematically along 3 sites and all
woody plant species with diameter at breast
height (Dbh) of ≥ 1 cm identified. In total,
65 woody plant species belonging to 58
genera and 27 families were recorded. Four
dominant families were Moraceae (42.2%),
Apocynaceae (13%), Annonaceae (10.3%)
and Phyllanthaceae (7.8%). The Dbh size
class distribution showed a slight deviation
from the classical inverse J distribution
suggesting that both small and large sized
trees are harvested. The average overall
stocking density in the plots was 1598 stems
ha-1 (range 250-3950) while the overall
mean carbon stored in the plot was 76.5 t
ha-1 (range 11.4-272.7). Ficus exasperata,
Syzygium cumini and Voacanga africana
contributed 36% of the carbon. There were
no significant differences
(one-way
ANOVA; in all cases P > 0.05) in stem
density, species richness and carbon stocks between sites. This study has revealed that
even though the study forests are not fully
protected they have high species richness,
stem density and above ground carbon and
therefore
improved
management
is
recommended to maintain the structure and
functions of the remaining riparian forests in
Kilombero.
Description
Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Vol 89, No. 2 (2020): 1-15
Keywords
River systems, Basin, Distribution, Density, Biomass, Land use