Water and element dynamics in Munessa forest ecosystems (Ethiopia) with special emphasis on carbon-sequestration and carbon-dynamics: criteria for sustainable silviculture

With respect to the sustainable management of the remaining natural forest ecosystems and forest plantations, a pilot study will be carried out in the Munessa Forest, SE-Ethiopia, focusing on:

a) the evaluation of the water and element dynamics of selected tree species using an ecosystem approach (input, output, soil solution);
b) the evaluation of the potential for carbon storage, carbon sequestration and carbon dynamics.

Both approaches have high priority because the sustainability of forests largely depends on an equilibrium between water and element input and output as well as on carbon stocks and carbon turnover, also with respect to the climate change discussion. The results, together with the findings of the plant physiological, geobotanical and socioeconomic projects will be edited as a “MANUAL” supporting the Ethiopian Forest Service in its endeavor to establish a resource protecting forest management.

Contact person
Prof. Wolfgang Zech, University  of Bayreuth, Institute of Soil Science and Soil Geography
wolfgang.zech@uni-bayreuth.de

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