Carbon Sequestration Potentials of Some Selected Meliaceae Species in a Forest Plantation in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Abia State

Meliaceae species are valued not only for their high-quality timber but also for their considerable capacity to accumulate biomass and store carbon. This study assessed aboveground biomass (AGB), carbon stock, and soil organic carbon (SOC) for five species Cedrela odorata, Entandrophragma angolensis, Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya senegalensis, and Lovoa trichilioides within a 12-year-old plantation in Umuahia, Nigeria. Tree growth variables were measured in 15 m × 15 m sample plots, Newton’s formula was used to estimate tree volume, AGB was derived from species-specific wood densities, and carbon stock was estimated using a 0.5 conversion factor. Soil bulk density and SOC were measured at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths. Results showed distinct interspecific differences in growth, volume, and biomass. C. odorata (231,976.62 kg ha⁻¹) and L. trichilioides (130,849.82 kg ha⁻¹) exhibited the highest AGB, corresponding to carbon stocks of 231.98 Mg ha⁻¹ and 130.85 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, K. senegalensis and K. grandifoliola stored greater SOC (8133.75 t ha-1) and (6955.95 t ha-1) respectively, attributed to substantial fine-root inputs at deeper soil layers. Strong positive correlations among DBH, tree volume, AGB, and carbon stock highlighted the structured nature of carbon allocation. The findings indicate that mixed-species plantations integrating both fast-growing and dense-wood species can enhance short-term biomass carbon gains while supporting long-term soil carbon storage.