International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 4 Issue 3, April 2020 Available Online: [Link] e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

A Baseline Assessment of Soil Organic Carbon in the

Mangroves of the Bakassi Peninsula South-West Cameroon
Kamah Pascal Bumtu, Nkwatoh Athanasius Fuashi, Longonje Simon Ngomba
Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Kamah Pascal

The mangrove soils as one of the global soil types is a major carbon store that Bumtu | Nkwatoh Athanasius Fuashi |
helps to curb the rising global temperatures. This is not unconnected to their Longonje Simon Ngomba "A Baseline
high carbon storing and sequestration potentials of the peat soils. The Assessment of Soil Organic Carbon in the
conclusion is characterized by some knowledge gaps on the actual carbon Mangroves of the Bakassi Peninsula
stock and sequestration potentials of some mangroves soils on the Central South-West Cameroon" Published in
African Sub-regional landscape. Some of these areas are the Bakassi International Journal
mangroves in the South West Cameroon. Cross-border conflicts, piracy and of Trend in Scientific
over exploitation have rendered the sourcing of appropriate data on its carbon Research and
stock and sequestration potentials difficult. In strive to bridge this knowledge Development (ijtsrd),
gap, this work carried out baseline assessments of the carbon stock and ISSN: 2456-6470,
sequestration rate of this peat soil. To achieve the study objectives, stratified Volume-4 | Issue-3,
random opportunistic sampling using an inventory design based on five forest April 2020, pp.414- IJTSRD30515
canopy height classes, with collection of peat soils using a soil auger to 421, URL:
different depth for laboratory analysis was done. Soils Organic Carbon stocks [Link]/papers/[Link]
were estimated from soils to a depth of 100cm and determined using chromic
acid digestion and spectrophotometric analysis. Parameters determined were Copyright © 2020 by author(s) and
bulk density and percentage carbon. Results showed that; soil carbon stock International Journal of Trend in Scientific
density ranged from 705.8 (Mg/ha) to 546.2 (Mg/ha). Thus on average, for a Research and Development Journal. This
hectare in Bakassi, the Soil Organic carbon stock was 632.65 (Mg/ha) is an Open Access article distributed
under the terms of
KEYWORDS: Mangrove, Soil Organic Carbon, Carbon Stock, Bakassi Peninsula the Creative
Commons Attribution
License (CC BY 4.0)
([Link]
/4.0)
INTRODUCTION
In mangroves, soil characteristics are major factors limiting important potentials. Findings from" Estimate Global Blue
growth and distribution of plants with a resultant an impact Carbon" shows that devastating the ecosystem will cost
on the soil organic carbon. The assertion that mangroves $6.42 billion in economic damages and the emissions they
have about 5 times higher carbon stock than terrestrial release will equal 3.19% of emissions that comes from
forests (Ajonina, 2018) could strongly be supported by the deforestation globally (Duke, 2007). This will lead to an
high percentage of its soil organic carbon which is the largest estimated 5.15% of species to be extinct by 2021 (WCED
pool that characterise mangrove soils (Stringer et al., 2015). 1992, 2001).These degradation exposes the soils with
The soils are formed by the accumulation of sediment implications of increasing emissions. The series of climate
derived from coastal or river bank erosion, or as eroded soils related hazards that the world have witness in recent times
from higher areas transported downstream along rivers and speaks volumes of the consequences of increasing emissions
canals. Also, some may originate from the sedimentation of thus spurring the quest for research as well as efforts on the
colloidal materials and particulates. These sediments that role of peat soil on organic carbon stock and sequestration to
have accumulated along the coast and in mangroves have mitigate climate change. The world soils comprise the third
different characteristics, depending on their origin. The largest global carbon pool after the oceanic pool of about
process of restoration of the Soil Organic Carbon pool, 38000 Pg and the geologic/fossil carbon pool of ~5000 Pg.
through absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by This pool is estimated at about 2500 Pg, which has two
plants growing through photosynthesis into humus is called distinct but related components: (i) the soil organic carbon
soil Carbon sequestration (McKinsey et al., 2009). With a (SOC) pool of about 1550 Pg, and (ii) the soil inorganic
high percentage of organic matter and a deep profile, they carbon (SIC) pool of about 950 Pg. Often estimated to a
have a loam or ‘loam/clay soil texture with varying depth of 1m, the total soil organic carbon pool of about 2500
characteristics that result to different percentages of soil is about 3.2 times the atmospheric pool of about 780 Pg, 40
organic carbon stock. With these, mangrove importance is times the biotic pool of about 620 Pg, and about 1.8 times the
very alarming and influential, providing goods and services terrestrial pool of about 1400 Pg which is equal to combined
like; food, construction materials, water purification and atmospheric and biotic pools put together. The rate of
pollution control, important carbon sinks, protection of depletion of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool under
coastal communities from tropical storms, breeding and agricultural activities is therefore precipitated by soil
spawning ground for fishes, nesting sites for migratory birds degradation processes such as accelerated erosion by either
(Ajonina, 2008). Degrading their soils means reducing these water or wind (WMO, 2008; IPCC, 2007). The rate and

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ [Link] eISSN: 2456-6470
magnitude of depletion of SOC pool are also accelerated by diversity of animal and plant species (MINEPDED, 2009).The
removal of crop residues and uncontrolled grazing (Lal, work touched 7 mangroves subdivisions (Bamuso, Ekondo
2004). The objective of the study was to carry out a baseline Titi, Mundemba, Isangele, Kombo Abedimo, Kombo Itindi
assessment of the SOC stock and sequestration potential of and Idabato), between latitudes 4°25′E and 5°10′N and
the Bakassi mangroves. This will set the pace for the block by longitudes 8°20′E and 9°08′N (GEF, 2016). Here, strong
block assessments at the country level for effective carbon ocean waves work against the incoming river current to
pricing. Faced with impacts like increasing; rainfall with precipitate deposits in the form of large inter-tidal mud or
variability and unpredictability, droughts, floods, hailstorms, sand flats which favours the growths and establishment of
hot days and heat waves, temperatures with ripple effects on mangrove tree species at this interface. The climate is
the environment and livelihood sectors especially in the equatorial and littoral types with two distinct seasons: a
more vulnerable African countries with weaker; economies, short dry season of 4 months (November to February) and a
and technologies (MINEPDED-NAPCC, 2015) and virtue of long rainy season almost 8 months (from March to October).
the high; exposure, sensitivity and low adaptive capacity, The average rainfall ranges from 5000 mm to 10000 mm
redoubling efforts to mitigate this is unavoidable. with July, August and September been the wettest months.
Relative humidity is very high, above 85%. The main annual
MATERIALS AND METHODS temperature is from 25.5 ⁰C to 27⁰ C (GEF, 2016). The
Study Location average tides waltz between 0.1 m to 2.9 m accompanied
This study was carried around the mangroves of the Bakassi very often by scorching heat waves sometimes going up to
Peninsula particularly in Ndian Divisions South-West Region 45 ° in the shade (Ocholi, 1986).
of Cameroon, a biodiversity hotspot that supports high

Figure: 1. map of Bakassi Peninsula

With a low elevation of 0 – 2m above sea level (Smoak et al., 2004), marine Otter and West African manatee (Trichechus
1999) the area is predominantly mangroves both indigenous senegalensis) Giant frog, Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus
and foreign species (Fig. 1) with Rhizophora racemosa, tetraspis) and Conraua goliath (Sarmiento and Oates, 2000,
dorminating (Buh et al., 2019) other indigenous mangroves Sunderland-Groves et al, 2003, Bergl and Vigilant, 2007),
whilethe exotic Nypa fructicans has colonize a large some mangrove phytoplankton identified are;
proportion of the Peninsula. The soils rang from; sandy, Bacilliophyceae, Dinophyceae and Cyanophyceae (GEF, 2016)
ferralitic, to claylike or peat that are generally formed by the
deposition of plant particles on watery soils (Smoak et al., This area is sparsely populated (about 150,000 to 300,000
1999).with very old and deeply weathered bedrock, the soils inhabitants ) by ethnic groups from Nigeria and Cameroon
are depleted of nutrients (Bond, 2010) following leaching (Ejaghams and the Efiks) where about 70% of the population
after heavy rains (Wong & Rowell, 1994). Avi-fauna include; comes from Nigeria (Guilleune et al., 2017).Their primary
migratory lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) and the economic activity is fishing, farming for subsistence needs
Rachel᾽s Malimbe i.e. Malimbicus racheliae (Ajonina et al., and timber harvesting which is limited to artisanal tree

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ [Link] eISSN: 2456-6470
cutting. Also, the area has rich oil reserves in neighboring The soil auger was pushed into the ground and at 1m
areas of Nigeria (GEF, 2016) where off-shore oil exploitation interval, it was twisted at least 5 times clockwise to collect
has been going on since 1960, accounting for over 70% of soil core as recommended in Kaufman and Donato (2012).
Cameroon’s oil production Soil samples of approximately 5cm were removed at the
require interval (Tab. 3) on the auger using a knife and the
METHODS samples placed in pre- labeled sealable plastics. These
Field survey intervals were measured with the help of a ruler to the
Stratified random and opportunistic sampling was used to nearest mm.
identify and establish plots. This permitted better accuracy,
precision and efficiency due to the heterogeneous nature of Table3: Soils layers represented by samples and the
the forest and its functional reliability. Also, the necessity to sampling Intervals for each soil core
capture relevant variables in the equations coupled to the Sample depth Sample
Soil ID
fact that the area was finite or known as recommended in (cm) from surface interval(cm)
Kauffman and Donato (2012), Asseffa et al., (2013) gave 1 0-60 55-60
preference to this method. Stratification criteria took in to 2 60-80 75-80
account; tree height and nature of forest (intact, degraded, 3 80-100 95-100
and highly degraded) while the sampling area took in to Where obstacles were encountered, the auger was
account the species, cost, security conditions, accessibility removed, cleaned and location changed.
(nature of soil, tides). Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the
Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) model was used to The soil samples were preserved sealed in air tight plastic
differentiate height ranges where the use of mangroves bags to ensure safety during transportation and to reduce
height data was the basics for stratification. Five classes microbes on the wet soil. The samples were prepared for the
were distinguished (Tab. 1) using geometric interval breaks laboratory by making an inventory list to link numbering
which is a compromise method between equal interval, schematics used on the field with sample information like
natural breaks (Jenks), and quantile (Carl et al., 2015) plot number and soils sampling depths. They were later
taken to the laboratory for drying and analysis for bulk
Table1: Mangrove canopy height classes delineated density and percentage carbon as recommended in Stringer
through analysis of SRTM data et al., (2015)
Class ID Height
1 0-8 At the laboratory, samples were air dried and later oven
2 8.1-11 dried at a temperature of 105°C for 48 hours till a constant
3 11.1-15 dry mass was attained. Samples were grinned and sieved
4 15.1-19 through a 2 mm sieve. The grinding speeded up and
5 ≥19.1 improved the drying process and equally eased sieving. This
Adapted from Buh et al., 2019 was relevant for calculating the bulk density. For carbon
analysis; soils were further fine grind and sieved through a
Square plots of 20m x 20m (40 in number) were established 0.5 mm sieve. Organic carbon was then determined by
on a selected stratum to get data as in Jones (2014) at the chromic acid digestion and spectrophotometric analysis
center of the plots. These Plots were establishment with the (Heanes, 1984). To control the quality, there was inclusion of
help of a 50 m transect tape (Tibre ). A compass (silva four external reference samples and a certified sample from
Polaris) was used to get the plot bearings and a Garmin GPS International soil exchange program in every batch
(Map 62) was used to collect geographical coordinates for analyzed.
the locations of the plots. The plot centers were identified
using the transect tape and marked with a GPS for collection For the data analyses; the soil bulk density was gotten by
of soil samples. Soil samples were collected at the center of dividing the sample dry mass in grams by its volume (cm-3)
the plots, inside the 10m x 10 m subplots (Fig.2). The soils for each soil core.
were sampled to a depth of 1m using an open gouge auger.
The collection interval were 0cm-60cm, 60cm-80cm and Soil bulk density (gcm-3) = Oven dry mass (g) Sample vol (
80cm-100cm (Buh et al., 2019). Before the samples were cm-3)……………………Kaufman and Donato (2012)
collected, organic litter were removed from the soil surface,
at the point of collection. The soil organic carbon (Mg/ha) per sampled depth interval
= Bulk density (gcm-3) * Soil depth interval (cm) * %
C…………………………………………………Kaufman and Donato
(20120)

Where % C, is the percentage Carbon concentration

expressed as a whole number.

The total plot soil carbon was then determined by summing

the carbon mass of each sampled soil depth interval (0cm -
60cm, 60cm-80cm, 80cm-100cm) in Mg C/ha

Data collected from the laboratory were verified for accuracy

and quality, inputted in to the spread sheets, classified in to
Figure2. Plot design for soil sample collection in
their respective height classes following the stratification
Bakassi Mangroves

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ [Link] eISSN: 2456-6470
and further imported into MINITAP version 19.0 and the the mean was sum of all the values of the variable divided by
findings presented in a simple and understandable way for the total as recommended in Yeomans (1968)
all potential readers using charts and graphs as described in
Djomo (2015). Variables like the standard error of the mean FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
in the carbon stock gotten was the standard deviation to the Organic soil carbon stock contributes to a high proportion of
true mean of all the different means from the population the total ecosystem carbon in mangroves. This is gotten
(Tesfaye &Astrat (2013) while the standard deviations was through investigations of a number of variables such as the
taken as the square root of the variance, variations were the bulk density, the percentage carbon and the depth of the soil
average of the squared deviations between each data thus, layer or sample (Tab 4)

Table4: Variation of Bulk density, %C and Mean SOC per depths with height class
Bulk density(g/cm3) %C Carbon density(Mg/ha)
Height Class Soil Depth Mean SE± Mean SE± Mean SE±
0-60 0.77 0.10 9.90 2.05 469.83 126.32
1 60-80 2.83 0.11 9.40 2.32 133.96 42.29
80-100 0.62 0.07 8.93 2.02 101.98 17.81
0-60 1.02 0.37 27.83 17.42 2281.55 2018.34
2 60-80 1.20 0.45 26.98 17.92 885.79 808.12
80-100 1.00 0.29 27.19 17.79 701.97 606.09
0-60 0.78 0.04 10.51 0.60 503.90 44.19
3 60-80 0.74 0.04 10.02 0.66 150.53 13.55
80-100 0.60 0.05 9.91 0.65 119.35 12.74
0-60 0.78 0.06 13.26 2.38 875.99 299.36
4 60-80 0.77 0.08 13.09 2.40 315.18 118.07
80-100 0.76 0.04 12.28 2.42 247.64 78.52
0-60 0.61 0.01 8.91 1.79 329.19 68.37
5 60-80 0.71 0.11 8.53 1.69 120.86 27.76
80-100 0.53 0.02 9.01 2.19 96.20 24.03

Bulk density
Across the sampled plots, mean soil bulk density at the upper layer ranged from 0.61 (gcm-3) in height class 5 to 1.0 (gcm-3) in
height class 2. Within the middle layers, it ranged from 0.71gcm-3 in class 5 to 2.83gcm-3 in class [Link] the deeper layer; it ranged
from 0.54gcm-3 in class 5 to 1.0gcm-3 in class 2. The maximum values were within the middle levels, the upper and reduced as
the depths increased. This changes where however irregular (Tab. 4). Generally, mean bulk density witnessed an irregular
trend, increasing from 0.67(g/cm3) at the 0cm- 60cm depth to 0.67(g/cm3) at the 60cm-80cm depth and decreased to
0.53(g/cm3) at the 80cm-100cm depth (Fig. 2)

Figure2: Bulk density according to soil depth in Bakassi

Average Percentage Carbon

Across the different height classes, percentage carbon in the different depths varied. At the upper level (0cm-60cm), it ranged
from 8.91%C in height class 5 to 27.83%C in height class 2. In the middle (60cm-80cm), it ranged from 9.01% C in height class
5 to 27.00 in height class 2. At the deeper level (80cm-100cm), it ranged from 9.01%C in class 5 to 27.20%C in class 2 (Tab 4).
The average percentage carbon did change with increasing depth where, it decreased from 9.54 % at the 0cm-60cm depth to
9.33% at the 60cm-80cm depth and to 9.13% at the 80cm-100cm depth (Fig. 3). Generally, the trend showed a steady decrease
for the average percentage carbon.

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Figure3: Percentage carbon (%) according to soil depth in Bakassi

Mean carbon density

Across the different height classes, the mean carbon densities in the different depths varied. At the upper level (0cm-60cm), it
ranged from 329.19C (Mg/ha) in height class 5 to 2281.60C (Mg/ha) in height class 2. In the middle (60cm-80cm), it ranged
from 120.90C (Mg/ha) in height class 5 to 885.80C (Mg/ha) in height class 2. At the deeper level (80cm-100cm), it ranged from
96.20C (Mg/ha) in class 5 to 702.00C (Mg/ha) in class 2 (Tab. 4). Generally, the trend for the mean carbon density decreased
with depth from 400.24 (Mg/ha) at the 0cm-60cm depth to 128.61 (Mg/ha) at the 60cm-80cm depth and to 109.14 (Mg/ha) at
the 80cm-100cm depth (Fig. 4)

Figure4. Carbon density according to soil depth in Bakassi Generally, there was a regular and decreasing trend
with depth in this area.

Ecosystem Soil Organic carbon (SOC)

Carbon densities within soil depths were added to get the ecosystem soil organic carbon density (Mg/ha) for every height class
in each of the study areas. This was a sum of the different mean carbon stock for the different soil depths up to 1m within the
different height classes.

Total soil Carbon density

The soil carbon values ranged from 546.35(Mg/ha) in height class 5 to 773.78 (Mg/ha) in height class [Link] trends however
were irregular within the different height classes.

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Figure5: Variation of total Soil Organic Carbon

Average carbon stock per height class

Average soil organic carbon stock per height class ranged from 75.24 (Mg/ha) in height class 2 to 257.87 (Mg/ha) in height
class 5. The values increased in a regular manner from height class 1 to 5.

Average Per hectare carbon for the areas

Table6: Average carbon per hectare in Bakassi
Height class Total Carbon Stock-(Mg C/ha) Area(ha) Total Carbon/Class height(Mg/ha)
1 705.77 0.16 112.92
2 626.97 0.12 75.24
3 773.78 0.32 247.61
4 537.21 0.48 257.86
5 546.26 0.12 65.55
Total 1.2 759.18
Av. Mg/ha 632.65
Thus on average, for a hectare in Bakassi, the soil organic carbon stock is 632.65 (Mg/ha)

DISCUSION superior hydrothermal conditions and periodic flooding by

Inventory Design tides which inhibits aerobic respiration and reduces the rate
A rectangular sampling design was adapted with lessons of decomposition of organic matter, subsequently leading to
from Jones, 2014; Buh et al., 2019; kaufman and Donato high organic carbon storage (Twilley, Chen, and Hagis,
(2012). This design was preferred because the area had a lot 1992). In this area it had higher concentration of sediments
of small creeks and Islands as well as for better that came from the difference numerous stream currents
quantification, accuracy and precision of the desired results. occurring the area (Buh et al., 2019).
Thus; trampling was reduced, accessibility was enhanced
and sampling consistent in all plots irrespective of the Mean SOC density
species in the area. This approach was different from the The carbon density within the area is of paramount
circular plots recommended by Murdiyarso et al., (2009), important to most assessments given that it is an
Kauffman and Donato (2012) in the Indo-pacific mangroves. unavoidable variable and is influenced by its rate of carbon
recycling. Like the percentage carbon, this is due to the
Bulk density vegetation cover, the sediments that are carried in to the
Bulk density is an indicator of soil compaction and could be area from the tidal inundations, streams flowing in to the
relevant in determining the relationships between soil area as well as the rate of decomposition of sediments in the
particle size distribution and organic matter area.
[Link] in bulk density could be caused when
activities modify the soils. The nature of variation in bulk Ecosystem carbon
density in this area is due to the soil type and basement rock, Ecosystem Soil Organic Carbon stock was a sum of all the soil
given that the Bakassi mangroves are made up mostly of soft organic carbon densities of the different soil depths
muddy soils (Buh et al., 2019). The coastline is mostly
muddy with a few areas been sandy especially when Total Soil Organic Carbon
approaching the southern parts or the Cameroon Estuaries. The total soil carbon in the mangroves may vary from place
to place depending on the rate of sedimentation, the amount
Average percentage carbon of carbon release or the level or rate of forest disturbance or
Average percentage carbon is influenced by different factors biomass removal, the percentage of stem density, the depth
amongst which are; high productivity and low of the soil and the bulk density. In this area, the total soil
decomposition rate of the wetland (Enong, 1993) as well as organic carbon (546.35Mg/ha to 773.776Mg/ha) between

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ [Link] eISSN: 2456-6470
the plots was a little higher than the values (containing [2] Ajonina, (2018).Presentation on climate change
274.6.7 Mg/ ha to 279.6 Mg/ ha) recorded by Stringer et al., vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning in
(2015) while studying the mangroves around the Zambezi WWF-Cameroon Workshop in Douala
mangroves. These values resulted from interplay between [3] Ajonina, G.N., Ayissi, I. and Usongo, L. (2004). Inventory
the amounts of biomass removal, the rate of carbon stock of Coastal Wetlands of Cameroon/Inventairedes Zones
formation, the rate of diverse threats witnessed given that Humides Côtieres du Cameroun. Wetlands
the constant harvesting of the forest lead to less litter and International Report. 68pp.
other organic matter left for decomposition and increase of
the peat soil. The rate of sedimentation equally depended on [4] Alan D. Ziegler, Jacob Phelps, Jia QI Yuen, Edward L.
the wave movements and stream flow in to the area. Also, Webb, Deborah Lawrence, Jeff M. Fox, Thilde B. Bruun,
the bulk density of this area played much on the total soil Stephen J. Leisz, Casey M. Ryan, Wolfram Dressler, Ole
organic carbon stock. Summarily, the carbon content, Mertz, Unai Pascual, Christine Padoch, Lian Pin Koh
climate, topography, soil type, microbial communities, (2012). Carbon outcomes of major land-cover
nitrogen cycling process, management, and land use (Murty transitions in SE Asia: great uncertainties and REDD+
et al., 2002) are amongst the factors cited by Ziegler et al., policy implications: Global Change Biology.
(2012) to account for the factors affecting SOC while Wang et [5] Alongi, D. M. (2011). Carbon payments for mangrove
al., (2013) also discovered that forest organic carbon density conservation: Ecosystem constraints and uncertainties
increases with biomass growth and stand age of the of sequestration potential. Environ. Sci. Policy 14, 462–
mangrove forests. Similar results were obtained by Gleason 470. [CrossRef]
and Ewel (2002) in their study of a Micronesian mangrove [6] Alongi, D. M., (2002). Present state and future of the
forest, as well as by Sun (2011) and Zhang et al. (2012) in world’s mangrove forests. Environ. Conservation 49
their studies of a mangrove forest in Southern China. Sun
(2011) also reported that the soil organic carbon in mature [7] Andresen, C. G, Lara MJ, Tweedie CE, Lougheed V.L.
forest (105.73 t/ha) was higher than that in young (74.43 (2016). “Rising plant-mediated methane emissions from
t/ha) and middle-aged mangrove forest (87.69 t/ha). arctic wetlands”. Global Change Biol. 23: 1128–1139.
[8] Assefa, G., Mengistu, T., Getu, Z., & Zewdie, S. (2013).
Total Ecosystem Carbon density (TEC) Training manual on: Forest carbon pools and carbon
The total ecosystem soil organic carbon soil is often the stock assessment in the context of SFM and REDD+.
summation of the different depth organic soil carbon stocks. Wondo Genet, Ethiopia: Wondo Genet College of
In this study site like elsewhere in the world, vegetation Forestry and Natural
types and shifts in the coverage of dominant plants exerts a
[9] Asrat, Z., & Tesfaye, Y. (2013). Training manual on
major influence on C fluxes (Andresen et al., 2016 and Niu et
forest inventory and management in the context of
al., 2010), though differences in values could be due to the
SFM and REDD+. Hawassa: Hawasa University.
difference in vegetation cover, soil conditions, threats, soil
and climatic conditions. [10] Benson, L., Glass L., Jones,T.G., Ravaoarinorotsihoarana,
L., and Cicelin Rakotomahazo, C.(2017). Mangrove
Thus, average per hectare soil organic carbon was Carbon Stocks and Ecosystem Cover Dynamics in
632.65Mg/. This values are larger than the (454.92Mg C/ha Southwest Madagascar and the Implications for Local
and 340.87MgC/ha) reported by Benson et al., (2017) for the Management. Forests 2017, 8, 190; doi:
assessment of open and closed canopy mangrove 10.3390/f8060190
respectively in S-W Madagascar. Also, the values are lower [11] Bergl, A. and Vigilant, L. (2007); Genetic analysis
than the mean value (799MgC/ha) reported by kaufman and reveals population structure and recent migration
Bhomia (2017) for the entire poles of the mangroves of within the highly fragmented range of the Cross River
West-Central Africa as well as the global values gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli). Blackwell Publishing Ltd
(885MgC/ha) for mangroves.
[12] Bond-Lamberty, B. & Thomson, A. (2010).
Recommendation Temperature-associated increases in the global soil
Proper land use practices have to be implemented in the respiration record. Nature, 464(7288), pp. 579-82.
area as well as sustainable land and forest management Available at:
practices. [Link]
[Accessed June 15, 2011].
CONCLUSION [13] Buh, G., Bumtu K.P., Meh, A. and Nsobih, M. (2019);
The quantities for the mean organic soil carbon stock density Space-based spacio-temporal mangrove forest
per hectare in Bakasssi mangroves ranged from 537.22 Mg dynamics and carbon stock assessment: the Ndongere
C/ha to 773.78Mg C/ha and for the different height classes. mangrove, Southwest Cameroon [Link]
Thus average per hectare SOC was 632.65MgC/ha. Cameroon.

Acknowledgement [14] Carl C. (2005). Compsition, biomass and structurof

The authors are grateful to Pr. Ayonghe Samuel Ndonwi Of mangroves within the Zambezi River Delter pg 184
the University of Buea for taking time off to review this [15] Djomo, A., (2015).Climate Change Mitigation. Forest
article. Ecosystems: Measurement and Modelling of Biomass
and Carbon. IFED publishing.
Reference [16] Donato, D. C.; Kauffman, J. B.; Murdiyarso, D.;
[1] Ajonina G., Diamé A., Kairo J. (2008). Current status and Kurnianto, S.; Stidham, M.; Kanninen, M. (2011).
conservation of mangroves in Africa: An overview. Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the
World Rainforest Movement Bulletin No. 133 6pg tropics. Nat. Geosci. 4, 293–297. [CrossRef]

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