Linking woody plant species richness with selected ecosystem services and dendrometric features in Okalma natural forest reserve.

ABSTRACT: While the human population is increasing globally, the sustainability of ecosystem services is declining. Okalma Natural Forest Reserve in Sudan hosts high woody plant species richness that support ecosystem services, soil health, and local livelihood. This study aims to assess the relationship between woody plant species richness, carbon stock, dendrometric features, soil chemical properties, recreation services, and income sources. Data were collected from 178 circular sample plots with a radius of 17.84 m (area of 1000 m³ each) along 17 transect lines, complemented by 510 questionnaires and soil analysis. We recorded 30 woody species (tree and shrubs), with species richness positively correlated with carbon stock (R² = 0.88), tree height (R² = 0.82) and

SUBMITTER: Mohammed EMI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12329024 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature