Allometry and Aboveground Biomass of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn.ex Benth Based Agroforestry Systems in Yangambi Landscape, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Date
2023
Authors
Ndimubenchi, Innocent Amani
Assani, Neville Mapenzi
Mugisho, Gérard Imani
Mukirania, John Katembo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EANSO
Abstract
Most of the population living near the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve lives
mainly from slash-and-burn agriculture which causes deforestation. The
agroforestry system (AFS) is reputed to stabilise agriculture, store carbon in
plant biomass and in the soil, and improve soil fertility. Acacia auriculiformis
is a fast-growing leguminous tree that has been planted in AFS in the
Yangambi landscape, but few or no studies assessed its aboveground biomass
storage. This study aims to determine the aboveground biomass storage of
AFS-based Acacia auriculiformis when intercropped with cassava, maise,
and peanut food crops at different tree planting densities in the Yangambi
landscape. The experimental device is a multifactorial trial of 36 plots of 400
m2 each one; with 4 treatments and 3 repetitions for each of these tree species
in association with maise, groundnut, and cassava. Therefore, for assessing
the aboveground biomass, the stem circumference and tree height were taken
in each plot. Moreover, to study the A. auriculiformis allometry, 30 trees
were cut and the aboveground biomass was estimated from the local
allometric model set up in this study. Through this work, we have developed
the three best allometric models for estimating the aboveground biomass of
A. auriculiformis. The result showed that the aboveground biomass of A.
auriculiformis varies between 0.49 and 10.54 t/ha (0.25 to 5.27 t/ha of
carbon) depending on tree planting density and food crops. By comparing the
results of the current study with those of others who worked on A.
auriculiformis biomass, it was noted that the local models developed in this
study contribute to increasing the precision of carbon estimation in the Congo
basin. This is important for the implementation of REDD+ projects (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) in the DRC.
In conclusion, agroforestry plantations contribute to storing carbon in plant
biomass.
Description
Article
Keywords
Acacia Auriculiformis, Allometric Models, Above-Ground Biomass, Agroforestry System
Citation
Ndimubenchi, I., Assani, N., Mugisho, G., & Mukirania, J. (2023). Allometry and Aboveground Biomass of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn.ex Benth Based Agroforestry Systems in Yangambi Landscape, Democratic Republic of Congo. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 6(1), 136-150. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.6.1.1237