Baseline floristics and above-ground biomass in permanent sample plots across miombo woodlands in different land tenure systems in Hwedza, Zimbabwe

This study aims to present baseline data on species diversity, forest structure and above-ground biomass (AGB) in different land tenure systems in miombo woodlands of Hwedza District, in Zimbabwe. One-hectare permanent sample plots were established in Communal Area, Small-Scale Commercial Farms (SSCF), Old Resettlement Area, New Resettlement Area and Protected area (Imire Game Park) Tree measurements were taken at the standard 1.3 m diameter at breast height for individual trees with diameters ≥5 cm. A total of 2 215 stems representing 87 species from 37 families, were assessed. Species composition differed with disturbance intensity across land tenure systems. The sub-family, Fabaceae-Detarioideae was the most abundant with Brachystegia spiciformis emerging as the dominant species across all land tenure systems. The SSCF recorded the highest species richness (40 species) and plant density (0.0693 plants-m²), while Communal Area had the lowest species richness (13 species) and plant density (0.0063 plants-m²), indicating significant anthropogenic pressure. Species diversity was highest in New Resettlement Area (Shannon index = 2.92) whilst the lowest diversity was recorded at Imire Game Park (Shannon index = 1.41). Stem diameter distribution showed an inverse J-shaped pattern, with Old Resettlement Area displaying strong regeneration. The Imire Game Park had the highest number of larger sized trees. Biomass was highest in Imire Game Park (28.2 ha-1) and SSCF (21.7 ha-1) and lowest in Communal area (0.26 t/ha). The study revealed the effects of land tenure on diversity, structure and biomass of miombo woodlands which stands as a strong baseline for future studies in these woodlands for better sustainable land management.