Abstract
Miombo woodlands is one of the major forest vegetation types covering about two thirds of the country forest land and form an integral part of the rural landscape in Tanzania, also they play crucial role in providing wide range of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration. This study aimed at assessing the effects of degradation on the structure and carbon stocks of miombo woodlands. Data were collected from 50 rectangular plots measuring 40×20 m. Stump diameter, diameter at breast height, tree height and species local and botanical names were recorded. Analysis was done by using R software and excel spread sheet. Results showed total harvesting of 10.53 m3ha-1 as compared to standing volume of 32.6 ± 2.3 m3ha-1 with basal area of 4.73 ± 0.5 m2ha-1. Estimated annual harvesting was found to be 6.63 ± 3.0 m3 ha-1 which exceeds mean miombo annual increment of 4.35 m3 ha-1 year1, this is indicator for unsustainable utilization which could results into woodland change. Harvesting resulted into total loss of 4.1±0.9 tCha-1 equivalent to 15.05 ± 3.3 tCO2eha,-1 new harvesting presenting 9.91 tCO2e ha-1 and old 5.14 tCO2eha-1. Managing the miombo woodlands carbon stocks for emissions and climate change mitigation in Tanzania and elsewhere requires rigorous effort to reduce anthropogenic degradation. Key words: Carbon emissions, climate change, Miombo woodlands, degradation.
Highlights
Deforestation1 and forest degradation2 are estimated to account for about 20% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions through combustion of forest biomass and decomposition of remaining plant material and soil
It is logical to link the high rate of deforestation and degradation to be impacted on the miombo woodlands because of its wide distribution in the country
This study has reported large levels of harvesting which results into high rates of carbon dioxide emissions, and they are not parallel to what is recruited which suggest that the woodlands is exploited than its producing capacity, as the annual wood removal of 6.63 ± 3.0 m3ha-1 exceeds the mean annual increment (MAI) of 4.35 m3ha-1yr-1
Summary
Deforestation and forest degradation are estimated to account for about 20% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions through combustion of forest biomass and decomposition of remaining plant material and soil carbon (Van der Werf et al, 2009). Tanzania has a total area of about 94.5 million ha out of which 88.6 million ha is covered by landmass and the rest is inland water. Forests in Tanzania cover about 34 million hectares making about 40% of total land. The total forest area can be divided into a number of different ecological forest types. Sawe et al 231 classification of Burgess and Clarke (2000), miombo woodlands is the dominant vegetation type covering about 95% of total forest area (MNRT, 2006). Rate of deforestation and degradation in Tanzania is estimated to be 403,000 ha/year equivalent to 1.13% (FAO, 2010). It is logical to link the high rate of deforestation and degradation to be impacted on the miombo woodlands because of its wide distribution in the country
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