The Effects of Selected Miombo Woodland Species on Carbon and Nitrogen Storage in Humid Savannas · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Tatire, Believe
Title: The Effects of Selected Miombo Woodland Species on Carbon and Nitrogen Storage in Humid Savannas
Abstract: The miombo tree species represent a significant terrestrial carbon sink which can be important in climate change mitigation. The encroaching Acacia polyacantha species are also useful in enhancing soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. The aim of the study was to asses the impacts of A.polyacantha species on miombo woodlands and also to determine the impact of the differences between these woody species and grasslands on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Nitrogen(N) and soil respiration. Soil organic carbon , soil nitrogen and soil respiration differences between A. polyacantha, B. boehmii, J.globiflora and grasslands were compared in Mashonaland central. SOC, N and soil respiration was significantly high in soils under acacia species while it was lower in miombo species. The grassland sites had generally lower amounts of SOC, N and soil respiration rates as compared to soils under miombo species. The change in seasons proved to have a positive impact on soil respiration rates. The results of this study suggest that encroachment of A. polyacantha have a positive impact on soil chemical properties.
Date: 2022
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: Selected Miombo Woodland Species; Carbon and Nitrogen Storage
Supervisor: N/A