Plant Diversity And Carbon Storage Potential In Coffee Agroecosystems Of Western Ethiopia

Human mismanagement of natural habitats caused the great loss of biodiversity and ecosystem because of their conversion into agricultural landscape. An approach to conserve biodiversity only in protected areas was found to be ineffective. The agricultural matrix also plays great complementary roles for conserving biodiversity. The main objective of this study was to assess the diversity of woody species, vascular epiphytes, and carbon stocks in three coffee management systems across an increasing farmers’ management intensity in selected research areas of Western Wollega, Ethiopia. A total of 72 samples (24 per each management systems) were purposively selected for collecting data on woody species, vascular epiphytes, and soil parameters. Plants were collected following standard herbarium technique and identified in the field and at national herbarium. Diameter at breast height, height, crown diameter and soil data were measured by using different devices. Socio-economic data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, and standard deviation were used to present the results. A total of 50 woody species and 10 true vascular epiphytes were identified. Cordia africana was found as the most abundant shade tree in coffee agroecosystems. Diversity of woody species was significantly different among the coffee management systems (P

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