Greenhouse gas emissions from Savanna ( Miombo ) woodlands: responses to clearing and cropping

摘要: Natural vegetation represents an important sink for greenhouse gases (GHGs); however, there is relatively little information available on emissions from southern African savannas. The effects of clearing savanna woodlands crop production soil fluxes N2O, CO2 and CH4 were studied clay (Chromic luvisol) loamy sand (Ferric acrisol) soils in Zimbabwe. Maize (Zea mays L.) was the test crop. Gas samples measured undisturbed, cleared cultivated using static chamber methodology involving gas chromatography ample air analysis. Site climatic variables particularly determinants GHG emissions. Over average 154 days 0.8 – 2.5 kg N2O-N ha-1, 1146 2847 CO2-C ha-1 7.4 38.5 CH4-C estimated during a season that followed drier one. Fertiliser-N significantly increased cropped plots (clay soil). undisturbed woodland with higher tree density (loamy sand) source. high provide ground based validation satellite observations hotspots sub-Saharan Africa, have considerable implications regional balance.