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Conventional tree height–diameter relationships significantly overestimate aboveground carbon stocks in the Central Congo Basin

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  • Elizabeth Kearsley

    (Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
    Isotope Bioscience Laboratory—ISOFYS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
    Laboratory for Wood Biology and Xylarium, Royal Museum for Central Africa)

  • Thales de Haulleville

    (Laboratory for Wood Biology and Xylarium, Royal Museum for Central Africa
    Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège)

  • Koen Hufkens

    (Isotope Bioscience Laboratory—ISOFYS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University)

  • Alidé Kidimbu

    (Faculté des Sciences, Université de Kisangani
    Herbarium National, INERA)

  • Benjamin Toirambe

    (Laboratory for Wood Biology and Xylarium, Royal Museum for Central Africa)

  • Geert Baert

    (University College Ghent)

  • Dries Huygens

    (Isotope Bioscience Laboratory—ISOFYS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
    Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile
    Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal - IMBIV, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba)

  • Yodit Kebede

    (Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain
    Wageningen University and Research Centre, Farming Systems Ecology Group)

  • Pierre Defourny

    (Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain)

  • Jan Bogaert

    (Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège)

  • Hans Beeckman

    (Laboratory for Wood Biology and Xylarium, Royal Museum for Central Africa)

  • Kathy Steppe

    (Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University)

  • Pascal Boeckx

    (Isotope Bioscience Laboratory—ISOFYS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University)

  • Hans Verbeeck

    (Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University)

Abstract

Policies to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation largely depend on accurate estimates of tropical forest carbon stocks. Here we present the first field-based carbon stock data for the Central Congo Basin in Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo. We find an average aboveground carbon stock of 162±20 Mg C ha−1 for intact old-growth forest, which is significantly lower than stocks recorded in the outer regions of the Congo Basin. The best available tree height–diameter relationships derived for Central Africa do not render accurate canopy height estimates for our study area. Aboveground carbon stocks would be overestimated by 24% if these inaccurate relationships were used. The studied forests have a lower stature compared with forests in the outer regions of the basin, which confirms remotely sensed patterns. Additionally, we find an average soil carbon stock of 111±24 Mg C ha−1, slightly influenced by the current land-use change.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Kearsley & Thales de Haulleville & Koen Hufkens & Alidé Kidimbu & Benjamin Toirambe & Geert Baert & Dries Huygens & Yodit Kebede & Pierre Defourny & Jan Bogaert & Hans Beeckman & Kathy Stepp, 2013. "Conventional tree height–diameter relationships significantly overestimate aboveground carbon stocks in the Central Congo Basin," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-8, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3269
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3269
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