Abstract:
The Ruruki forest is under threat due to increasing human activities, deforestation, and
climate change. Besides, there is a lack of adequate information on the current status of
the forest. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the woody plant species
composition, structure, regeneration status and carbon stock potential of Ruruki forest. A
total of 30 sample plots each with 20m x 20m, were established using systematic
sampling method. In each plot, a sub-plot of 5m x5m were used to count saplings and
seedlings. Again, 1m x1m was designed to take litter and soil sample. In these plots and
sub-plots woody plant species, litter and soil sampling data were taken. Totally,70 woody
species catagorized into 64 genera and 45 families were recorded. From this 70 woody
species, tree covers 57.14% while shrubs and liana covers 37.14% and 5.7% respectively.
Then species abundance, frequency, IVI, basal area, DBH and height classification of the
collected woody plant species was analyzed. The regeneration status of the forest was
classified as ‘fair’. The carbon stock potential of the forest was also estimated.
Allometric equation was used to estimate the biomass, while soil analysis was made
following standard soil analysis in Ambo University chemistry and soil laboratory. Then,
the carbon stock potential of the forest was 407 ton / ha.The final result shows that,
Ruruki forest is a diversified, a reservoir of high biomass and carbon stock. Therefore,
this study is important to provide baseline data for the current status of woody plant
species composition, structure, regeneration, and carbon stock potential of Ruruki forest
and help for developing sustainable forest management practices. Generally, there is a
need of full participation for sustainable management of the forest to promote the
regeneration status of the forest from fair to good status by controlling selective cutting
and other disturbances
