University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Thomas Grome
(2011):
Assessment of the soil carbon storage potential of the Kikonda reforestation project, Uganda.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 112.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- The purpose of this project was to assess the carbon storage potential of soils under different land use classes at the Kikonda Forest Reserve, Uganda. The primary source of data was generated at the Kikonda Forest Reserve, a commercial forestry project in the Kiboga district, Western Uganda. The land use classes investigated were: 8 year pine rotation; 5 year pine rotation; 3 year pine rotation; recently cleared areas within the reserve; secondary forest; and primary forest acting as a baseline for comparison. The closest primary forest was the Budongo Forest Reserve in the Masindi district, approximately 150km away from Kikonda. No significant differences in SOC stocks or %SOC were found between the planted areas; the cleared area; or the primary forest were detected in the top 20 cm of soil. Some significant differences arose at deeper depths; however, SOC was unlikely affected by land use change past 20-30 cm depth due to a change in land management within the investigated time period. An increase of SOC storage, following the conversion of degraded land on the Kikonda FR to forest, may potentially manifest itself in the long term once a new equilibrium in carbon content occurs. The data also suggests that %C in the litter layer increases linearly with stand age. Continued production at the Kikonda FR is encouraged for both potential carbon mitigation; financial gain for the IWC; and as a continued source of employment for local communities.
- Beurteilende(r): Blum Winfried E.H.