Abstract:
Parkland agroforestry woody species are prominent features in many landscapes worldwide, and their
ecological, social and economic importance is widely acknowledged. It is the traditional agroforestry
systems from different countries and is almost a universal occurrence in Ethiopia. This study was
conducted in Gindeberet District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia to assess the
parkland agroforestry woody species composition, diversity, structure and biomass carbon. Woody
species inventory was carried out on 103 plots (each, 50 m x10 0m) in the crop field laid along 7
transects. For woody species ≥ 5 cm DBH, measurements of DBH and tree height were taken. A total of
61 woody species belonging to 35 families were recorded. The study indicated that the woody species
Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were higher at lowland than midland agro-ecology. The species
richness was significantly different between the two agro -ecological zones (X
2
= 8.5, p = 0.003). This
study showed low carbon storage potential in living biomass of woody species ; it is recommended to
develop a policy on the woody species management, conservation and regeneration to increase the
carbon storage potential in living biomass of woody species.
