Sequestration and Carbon Storage Potential of Tropical Forest Reserve and Tree Species Located within Benue State of Nigeria

Abstract

Carbon sequestration potential of tree species within forest reserves and other sites in Makurdi Benue state of Nigeria was investigated using non-destructive Walkley-Black technique. The result indicates that P. americana has the highest CO2 sequestration potential (125,916.7 kg), while T. grandis (10.4 kg) and D. regia (26.1 kg) were the least. The study also shows that trees (T. grandis, S. actinophylla and P. americana) with thick vegetation, broad and clustered leaves were found to be better CO2 sequesters. The relationship between the tree height and amount of CO2 sequestered gave a regression equation of y = 67898x + 9509 with R 2 = 0.266, indicating insignificant variations existing between tree height and CO2 sequestration at P > 0.05. Variations however existed between tree dominance and CO2 sequestration among trees investigated. This finding strategically positions Benue tropical forest in line for carbon credit financing while substantiating the importance of preserving our indigenous forest and tree species.