Abstract:
Tree plantations can be a potential path for coupling climate change mitigation and economic
development by providing C sequestration and supplying wood products to meet domestic and
market requirements at the same time.. This study was done with the aim of assessing fine
root carbon stock distribution of fast growing species of plantation forest.The fine rootstock
and its vertical distribution (0 - 50 cm) of the two fast-growing tree species (Eucalyptus
camaldulensis, and Acacia decurrens plantation)were investigated in Gumbri Abla Akena
plantation forest in Awi zone northwestern Ethiopia, using the soil coring method of the total
250 root samples(with in one up to five ages of tress and five soil depth classes in both
species. The fine root masses the studied species were separated into biomass, and
necromass.The result reveaaled that both fine root biomass, and necromass of the Eucalyptus
camaldulensis were significantly higher than Acacia decurrens. Fine root accumulation was
largest in the uppermost 20 cm soil layer and showeda general decrease with increasing
depth for all the species. The distribution of fine root necromass was similar to that of fine
root biomass with the highest concentration on the upper surface. This can be expected
compared to the lower depths given greatest amount of live fine root biomass in the upper soil
profiles that eventually die at the end leading to higher necromass on the upper layers.The
largest C potential was found in the Eucalyptus plantations (114.48 g.Cm2), and Acacia
(66.94 g.Cm2)
The study area is mostly dominated by fast growing tree species of Acacia decurrens and
Eucalyptus camaldulnesis tree species. Traditionally those plantations play an important role
in the economy of Awi Zone, Acacia decurrens for production of charcoal and timber and
Eucalyptus camaldulensis for house building. Plantaion forests are playing indispensable
role in carbon sequestration potential and climate change mitigation.
Keywords: Age gradient, Biomass, Carbon stock, Fine root stock and necromassviii