Browsing by Author "Munishi, Pantaleo K.T"

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Carbon stocks of Hanang forest, Tanzania: An implication for climate mitigation
(Academic Journal, 2014-03) Swai, Godgift; Ndangalasi, Henry J; Munishi, Pantaleo K.T; Shirima, Deo D
The study assessed carbon stocks of Hanang mountain forest, Tanzania. Thirty-four sample plots (40 × 50 m) were established along an altitudinal gradient. All trees with diameter at breast height ≥10 cm were identified and measured, and herb species and soil were sampled from four 1 × 1 m quadrats -1 within 10 × 10 m subplots. Mean carbon stock was 48.37 and 0.26 t C ha for tree and herb species, -1 respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was 64.2, 41.93 and 31.0 t C ha in the upper, mid and lower layers, respectively. It was found that there was significant difference in tree carbon (p<0.05) along an altitudinal gradient. However there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in herbaceous carbon and SOC in the three layers along an altitudinal gradient. Tree carbon was low compared to other tropical areas where allometric models were employed. In contrast, SOC was high compared to other similar forests in the tropics. Anthropogenic threats will likely diminish the SOC hence conservation measures are needed.
Predictor variables for soil organic carbon contents in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Tanzania
(International Scholars Journals, 2014-05-20) Shelukindo, Hassan Bashiru; Semu, Ernest; Msanya, B. M.; Singh, Bal Ram; Munishi, Pantaleo K.T
Few studies have established the variables which adequately predict SOC storage in the Miombo woodlands. Multiple regression analysis was used to establish the variables which could predict SOC contents in dominant soils of the Miombo woodlands of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Thirty soil mini- pits located at different elevations across a topographical gradient were selected, geo-referenced, excavated and samples from the natural horizons were collected for physico-chemical analysis. A total of 85 samples were collected, each representing a natural soil horizon. The results indicated that total nitrogen (TN), (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.97) and TN in combination with calcium (Ca) (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.99) were important predictor variables of SOC contents. The combination of cation exchange capacity, Zinc, Copper, clay and iron together with TN and Ca predicted well the SOC contents (P< 0.001, R 2 = 0.999). Considering time and cost implications for field and laboratory analysis in predicting SOC stocks, the combination of TN and Ca that predicted the SOC contents by 99% provided equally strong prediction when compared to the combination of all the variables. Thus, proper land management strategies which enhance conservation of TN and Ca in concert would provide adequate prediction of SOC contents in soils.
Soil organic carbon stocks in the dominant soils of the Miombo woodland ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve, Iringa, Tanzania
(International Journal of Agricultural Policy and Research, 2014-03-06) Shelukindo, Hassan Bashiru; Semu, Ernest; Msanya, B. M.; Singh, Bal Ram; Munishi, Pantaleo K.T
Few studies have determined the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem in Tanzania. Standard field and laboratory procedures were used to evaluate SOC storage in the Miombo woodlands ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve Iringa, Tanzania. A study area of 52 km 2 was selected and ten soil profiles were studied. Representative sampling points were geo-referenced and soil samples collected from natural horizons to the depth of 60 cm. Results show that the total soil organic carbon stocks in soil profiles varied from 19.4 to 28.9 Mg C ha -1 in leptosols; from 45.6 to 80.1 Mg C ha -1 in fluvisols; and from 33.9 to 134.6 Mg C ha -1 in cambisols. The SOC increased significantly (p< 0.05) with increasing elevation, horizon thickness and % clay, but it decreased significantly (p< 0.05) with increasing slope gradient and increasing % sand. The areal distribution of the soil types was 61%, for cambisols, 19% for leptosols, 11% for fluvisols and 9% for natural forest which was not surveyed because of inaccessibility. Proper management of Miombo woodlands would increase the SOC storage and contribute to climate change regulation.