Carbon sequestration in selected grass species in a tropical lowland rainforest at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
2016
Odiwe, A. I. | Olanrewaju, G. O. | Raimi, I. O.
Dry matter production and carbon stock in the pools of Panicum maximum, Axonopus compressus and Cynodon dactylon grass species were evaluated within the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This was with a view to provide information on grass species serving as carbon sink and to assess their contribution to carbon stock in the terrestrial ecosystem. Four 15 m x 15 m sampling plots were established in each of the grass species sites; the plant samples were harvested by randomly placing ten 1m x 1m quadrats. The harvested plants were divided into above and below ground biomass. Floor litters (residue) samples were also collected. Ten soil samples were randomly collected from ten points in each plot at a depth of 0-20 cm, air-dried and analyzed for carbon content. Bulk density was also determined in each plot. The harvested plants were oven dried at 70°C to a constant weight, weighed, ground and analyzed for organic carbon content. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the dry matter production, carbon concentration and carbon stock across the three grass species. Panicum maximum had the highest dry matter production and carbon stock in the above and below ground biomass. It also had the highest carbon concentration in below ground biomass. The results concluded that grasslands can serve as a terrestrial carbon sink and their contribution varied across the studied grass species.
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