International Journal of
Biodiversity and Conservation

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-243X
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJBC
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 678

Article in Press

Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Woody Vegetation within Kwara State University Malete, Nigeria

Henry Olawale Sawyerr, Romoke Monsurat Suleiman and Oyewole Kazeem Oyedele

  •  Received: 30 April 2019
  •  Accepted: 29 October 2019
Ability to measure accurately and precisely the amount of carbon sequestered in African forests will go a long way in reducing global warming. Therefore, this study determines the Above Ground Biomass (AGB), Carbon Sequestration Potential (CSP) and variation in tree species present in the Kwara State University. Square plot sampling of 100 by 100 meters was selected randomly for assessment. Trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were assessed and allometric measurements for each tree species were taken. Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa and Bauhinia tomentosa had highest biomass (3350.84 kg, 1298.18 kg and 832.14 kg ) and CO2 contents (5773.96 kg, 2236.7 kg and 1433.8 kg), respectively. The estimated Total Above Ground Biomass and CO2 Content was (1387.68 t and 2391.02 t per hectare) for trees species in the studied area. One-way analysis of variance test for difference in trees species using DBH, height, basal area and volume was significant (P < 0.01). There was variation in carbon sequestration potential of trees species. Thus, some species of trees may be suitable for replanting in future restoration projects in order to accelerate natural succession and carbon storage. Hence, the university should pay attention to this developmental planning.

Keywords: Climate Change, Woody Vegetation, Carbon Sequestration, Above Ground Biomass, Allometric Measurement.