The Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve and Climate Change

Carbon storage and its dynamics in ecosystems are receiving a great deal of attention due to the role of CO2 in climate change. The present study, which fits into this context of global climate change, was carried out in the southern zone of the RBA. The overall objective of this study is to assess the effect of the setting aside of argan forests (RBA) on their role in mitigating the effects of CC through the evaluation of C stock dynamics between 1998 and 2021. To meet this objective, woody and foliar biomass had to be determined. Available equations were used for this purpose. Soil carbon stock was calculated using the Walkey-Black method. Analysis of land use change was carried out by Google earth engine using Sentinel 2A and Landsat 5 images, and by TrendsErath for large-scale areas. The average carbon stock sequestered within the Boutmezguida site was estimated at 48.18 tonnes C/ha. The Aiterkha site sequesters an average of 59.29 t C/ha.