Influence of management practices on stand biomass, carbon stocks and soil nutrient variability of teak plantations in a dry semi-deciduous forest in Ghana

Abstract

Many forest plantations in the tropics are not well managed due to lack of resources and sometimes expertise; but if plantations are to fulfill their expected usefulness especially for climate change solutions, then best practices should be used. However, more data is required to demonstrate the gains that can be made in the various end uses of plantation-grown timber and the soils on which they are grown to encourage good practices among growers. The current study compared biomass, carbon stock accumulation and soils nutrient levels in an intensively managed (IMP) and less intensively managed (LIMP) teak plantation in Ghana. The data were collected from 10 sampled plots from each plantation type. The IMP significantly accumulated biomass and carbon stocks than the LIMP; however, LIMP had a higher number of forked trees than the IMP. Mean percentage of nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, Na and Al were also higher under the IMP than the LIMP. Our results show that management practices have a significant effect on stand characteristics as well as the soils on which stands grow and therefore forest managers must endeavor to apply intensive management practices to optimize plantation benefits.