Assessing carbon stocks in different land cover/use types in Masindi and Bulisa districts.

Abstract

In this study, I compared average carbon stocks in Masindi district in areas around Budongo central forest reserve and other land cover/use types around the CFR. The study focused on aboveground carbon (AGC) and soil organic carbon (SOC). Field measurements were made to obtain data that was used in allometric equations to estimate aboveground biomass. Biomass data was then used to derive AGC. For the SOC, soil samples were obtained for each land cover/use type at a depth of 30cm and analyzed in the lab using Walkley-Black titration method. Mean values of AGC were compared and natural forest was found to carry the highest carbon (1778.5Mg/ha C) while grassland contained the least amount of carbon (18.8Mg/ha C). There was a significant variation between the above ground carbon and soil organic carbon in the various land use types; with plantation forests with the highest level of soil organic carbon of about 136.76Mg/ha, followed by natural forests with an estimate of 71.57Mg/ha and lastly shrub lands with 55.88Mg/ha. This therefore emphasizes the role of trees in carbon sequestration and therefore should be incorporated in cropland and grasslands. As well, activities that reduce SOC should be discouraged such as burning of grass lands and crop lands and those that conserve it as well be encouraged. These include: conservation tillage, leaving crop residue remnants in garden among others.