DETERMINATION OF ABOVE GROUND BIOMASS ACCUMULATED IN NIMBIA FOREST RESERVE OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite the importance of forests, most forest carbon stocks are poorly defined, and knowledge gaps obstruct efforts to estimate above-ground biomass across Nigeria.  Descriptive research design was employed in estimating the amount of above ground biomass stored in the forest. A single hectare plot was sampled and used as a representative of the entire forest due to the homogeneity of the forest. Data were collected using, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), maximum tree height, number of trees within sampled plot and plot size. Allometric equations was employed to analyze the DBH and trees height to estimate the; weight of stem, weight of branch, weight of leaves and finally the accumulated AGB (Above Ground Biomass) within the sampled plot, which was also treated as AGB density in this study. Estimation of forest area covered by tree was done by analyzing a satellite image of the forest using Arc GIS software and finally the Total Aboveground Biomass (TAGB) of the forest was extrapolated from the estimated values. The finding suggest that Nimbia Forest Reserve covers significantly land area of 1,909.72 hectares and 81.12% (1549.24 hectares) with Teak trees planted three metres apart and an AGB density of 53,279,932.02 tons per hectare. These conclude that the Nimbia Forest Reserve is worth over eight billion tons of accumulated AGB and four billion tons of CO₂, furthermore, any tree cutting will release a significant amount of CO₂ into the atmosphere, posing a climate change concern.