Fobane Jean Louis, Zekeng Jules Christian, Chimi Cédric Djomo, Onana Jean Michel, Ebanga André Paul, Tchonang Léonnel Djoumbi, Talla Makoutsing Ameline Clarance, Mbolo Marguerite Marie
Department of Biology, Higher Teachers' Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 47, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Department of Forest Engineering, Advanced Teachers Training School for Technical Education, University of Douala, P.O. Box 1872, Douala, Cameroon.
Heliyon. 2024 Dec 6;10(24):e41005. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41005. eCollection 2024 Dec 30.
Understanding Atlantic tropical forests' ecological dynamics and carbon storage potential in Cameroon is crucial for guiding sustainable management and conservation strategies. These forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to fill existing knowledge gaps by characterising plant communities, assessing the vegetation structure, and quantifying the potential of carbon stocks. Twelve 1-ha permanent plots were established within the Atlantic forests of Okoroba and Yingui to achieve these objectives. All the trees with diameters at breast height (DBH) ≥10 cm were inventoried, and various environmental data, including soil texture and climate information, were collected. The Multivariate Regression Trees (MRT) technique was employed to analyse species composition and identify different plant communities (PCs). Additionally, multiple regression models were used to examine the effects of environmental variables and stand size structure on non-destructive carbon stock assessments. The MRT analysis was conducted on 6425 trees spanning 317 species, 212 genera and 60 families, and it identified three distinct PCs with unique species compositions and environmental preferences. The study revealed variations in tree density, ranging from 425 to 645 N ha, and basal area, from 32 to 38 mha among PCs and forest types. Although carbon stocks did not differ significantly between the PCs, they varied in distribution, ranging from 195 to 203 Mg C.ha-. A single-factor model indicated a significant correlation between tree density with DBH ≥50 cm and aboveground biomass variability (R = 0.86). A multi-factor model, considering DBH ranges of 10-30 cm and 30-50 cm, explained 93 % and 94 % of biomass variability, respectively, incorporating elevation and other tree density factors. These findings enhance our understanding of carbon dynamics in Atlantic forests and support conservation and sustainable management practices. They highlight the importance of biodiversity protection in mitigating climate change and maintaining ecosystem health.
了解喀麦隆大西洋热带森林的生态动态和碳储存潜力对于指导可持续管理和保护策略至关重要。这些森林在碳固存和生物多样性保护方面发挥着重要作用。本研究旨在通过描述植物群落、评估植被结构和量化碳储量潜力来填补现有知识空白。为实现这些目标，在奥科罗巴和因吉的大西洋森林中建立了12个1公顷的永久样地。对所有胸径（DBH）≥10厘米的树木进行了清查，并收集了包括土壤质地和气候信息在内的各种环境数据。采用多元回归树（MRT）技术分析物种组成并识别不同的植物群落（PCs）。此外，使用多元回归模型来研究环境变量和林分大小结构对非破坏性碳储量评估的影响。对6425棵树进行了MRT分析，这些树分属317个物种、212个属和60个科，共识别出三个不同的PCs，它们具有独特的物种组成和环境偏好。研究揭示了不同PCs和森林类型之间树木密度的差异，范围为425至645株/公顷，以及断面积的差异，范围为32至38平方米/公顷。尽管不同PCs之间的碳储量没有显著差异，但它们的分布有所不同，范围为195至203吨碳/公顷。单因素模型表明，胸径≥50厘米的树木密度与地上生物量变异性之间存在显著相关性（R = 0.86）。一个多因素模型，考虑了10 - 30厘米和30 - 50厘米的胸径范围，分别解释了生物量变异性的93%和94%，纳入了海拔和其他树木密度因素。这些发现增进了我们对大西洋森林碳动态的理解，并支持保护和可持续管理实践。它们强调了生物多样性保护在缓解气候变化和维持生态系统健康方面的重要性。
