IMPACTS OF LAND USE ON CARBON DYNAMICS IN IPETUMODU, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rising Carbon in the earth’s system has raised concerns due to the role it plays in increasing temperatures and inducing climate change. In this light, it is crucial to investigate the spatio‐ temporal variation of Carbon stocks stored as vegetation biomass in tropical forests. This study seeks to quantify and estimate changes in the carbon stock of a selected area based on its land uses, over time. Allometric formula was used to determine the biomass of plants; this was used to determine the total carbon stock in the area. Satellite imageries were acquired for three epochs; 1986 (December), 2000 (January) and 2011(December). Land use classes were extracted from the imageries. NDVI was also generated for the area. Carbon stocks in 1986 and 2000 were estimated on the basis of historical land use change. To estimate the potential carbon stock for the area, projection was made based on the trend in land use. Results showed that present total carbon in the study area is 18,236tonnes/km2 for builtup, 107,247tonnes/km2 for farmland and 349,593tonnes/km2 with a total above ground carbon about 29million tonnes in the area. Historic analysis showed a reduction of about 6 million tonnes between 1986 and 2011. Projections to 2020 estimates that about 1million tonnes will be further lost. The conclusion stressed the potential impact of reduction above ground carbon stock to the atmosphere. It recommends halting deforestation rates in the study area to further mitigate global climate change.