Tree biomass and soil organic carbon densities across the Sudanese woodland savannah: A regional carbon sequestration study

• Published in: Journal of arid environments Vol. 89; pp. 67 - 76
• Main Authors: Alam, S.A., Starr, M., Clark, B.J.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: aboveground biomass; Acacia; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; atmospheric precipitation; belowground biomass; Biological and medical sciences; Biomass; Carbon; Carbon sequestration; climate; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Correlation; Density; Drylands; Environmental degradation: ecosystems survey and restoration; forest inventory; forest soils; Forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Land degradation; land use; planning; root shoot ratio; Sahel region; savannas; shoots; Soil (material); soil organic carbon; Stockpiling; Sudan gum belt; Synecology; temperature; Terrestrial ecosystems; Trees; Woodland savannah; Sudan; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Sahel; Africa; Woodland savannah; Sudan gum belt; Land degradation; Carbon sequestration; Drylands; Sahel region; Organic carbon; Savannah; Arid environment; Tropical zone; Biomass; Density; Woodland; Ecological damage; Soils; Regional study; Semi arid zone; Tree; Dryland
• ISSN: 0140-1963; 1095-922X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2012.10.002

Mean tree biomass and soil carbon (C) densities for 39 map sheet grids (1° lat. × 1.5° long.) covering the Acacia woodland savannah region of Sudan (10–16° N; 21–36° E) are presented. Data from the National Forest Inventory of Sudan, Harmonized World Soil Database and FAO Local Climate Estimator were used to calculate C densities, mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT). Above-ground biomass C and soil organic carbon (SOC, 1 m) densities averaged 112 and 5453 g C m−2, respectively. Below-ground biomass C densities, estimated using root shoot ratios, averaged 33 g C m−2. Biomass C densities and MAP increased southwards across the region while SOC densities were lowest in the centre of the region and increased westwards and eastwards. Both above-ground biomass C and SOC densities were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with MAP (rs = 0.84 and rs = 0.34, respectively) but showed non-significant correlations with MAT (rs = −0.22 and rs = 0.24, respectively). SOC densities were significantly correlated with biomass C densities (rs = 0.34). The results indicated substantial under stocking of trees and depletion of SOC, and potential for C sequestration. Up-to-date regional and integrated soil and forest inventories are required for planning improved land-use management and restoration. ► Sudanese woodland savannah tree biomass C and SOC (1 m) densities were estimated. ► Above-ground biomass C and SOC densities averaged 112 and 5453 g C m−2. ► SOC densities significantly correlated with above-ground biomass C densities. ► Biomass C and SOC densities significantly correlated with MAP, but not with MAT. ► C densities across the region are considerably below sequestration potential.