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

Elizabeth Kearsley (), Thales de Haulleville, Koen Hufkens, Alidé Kidimbu, Benjamin Toirambe, Geert Baert, Dries Huygens, Yodit Kebede, Pierre Defourny, Jan Bogaert, Hans Beeckman, Kathy Steppe, Pascal Boeckx and Hans Verbeeck
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Elizabeth Kearsley: Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
Thales de Haulleville: Laboratory for Wood Biology and Xylarium, Royal Museum for Central Africa
Koen Hufkens: Isotope Bioscience Laboratory—ISOFYS, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
Alidé Kidimbu: Faculté des Sciences, Université de Kisangani
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
Yodit Kebede: Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain
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

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3269

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