The role of the Miombo Woodlands of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania as carbon sinks

Abstract

Inventory and monitoring of existing carbon pools in ecosystems is important for establishment of
baselines for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) as well as
understanding the global carbon budget. We used tree dimensions to quantify the carbon pools of two
sites in Miombo woodlands of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Mean above ground carbon
density of the Miombo ecosystem was 19.2t ha-1 . Of the total carbon, 40 and 60% was contributed by
stems and branches respectively. Different species contributed differently to carbon stocks in these
ecosystems with Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora contributing the most. The
estimated carbon stocks in this ecosystem is within the range observed in dry forests elsewhere
though they are in their early stages of regeneration after extensive exploitation pressure. Under
proper management there is a tremendous capacity for carbon storage in these Miombo woodlands to
mitigate carbon emissions. Since Miombo species tend to invest much in roots an assessment of
below ground carbon in roots can add to the carbon storage potential of these ecosystems. Evaluation
of the root and soil carbon in these ecosystems is important in determining the full potential of these
ecosystems to act as carbon sink.