Woody species diversity, structure and biomass carbon of parkland agroforestry practices in Gindeberet District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Parkland agroforestry woody species are prominent features in many landscapes worldwide, and their ecological, social and economic importance is widely acknowledged. It is the traditional agroforestry systems from different countries and is almost a universal occurrence in Ethiopia. This study was conducted in Gindeberet District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia to assess the parkland agroforestry woody species composition, diversity, structure and biomass carbon. Woody species inventory was carried out on 103 plots (each, 50 m x10 0m) in the crop field laid along 7 transects. For woody species ≥ 5 cm DBH, measurements of DBH and tree height were taken. A total of 61 woody species belonging to 35 families were recorded. The study indicated that the woody species Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were higher at lowland than midland agro-ecology. The species richness was significantly different between the two agro-ecological zones (X2 = 8.5,   p = 0.003). This study showed low carbon storage potential in living biomass of woody species; it is recommended to develop a policy on the woody species management, conservation and regeneration to increase the carbon storage potential in living biomass of woody species.   Key words: Parkland agroforestry, woody species, latitude, diversity index, biomass carbon.