CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL IN ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS OF THONG PHA PHUM NATIONAL FOREST, THAILAND

Abstract

This study assessed the potential of carbon sequestration on aboveground biomass in the different forest ecosystems in Thong Pha Phum National Forest, Thailand. The assessment was based on a total inventory for woody stem at � 4.5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Aboveground biomass was estimated using allometric equation and aboveground carbon stock was calculated by multiplying the 0.5 conversion factor to the biomass. As the results, carbon sequestration showed varied in different types of forests. Tropical rain forest (Ton Mai Yak station) higher carbon stock than dry evergreen forest (KP 27 station) and mixed deciduous forest (Pong Phu Ron station) as 137.73± 48.07, 70.29± 7.38 and 48.14± 16.72 tonne C/ha, respectively. Habitat variability caused differences of biomass accumulation, species composition and the allometric relationships of forests. In the study area, all forest had a similar pattern of tree size class, with a dominant size class at � 4.5-20 cm. The � 4.5- 20 cm trees potentially provided a greater carbon sequestration in tropical rain forest and dry evergreen forest while the size of > 20- 40 cm gave potentially high carbon sequestration in mixed deciduous forest. Due to the trees have the lowest carbon sequestration but they considerably grow up to the further size classes. Apparently, they will be able to increase more biomass accumulation and store more carbon. In conclusion, the greatest carbon sequestration potential is in mixed deciduous forest and followed by tropical rain forest and dry evergreen forest in Thong Pha Phum National Forest. Finally, the appropriate forest ecosystem management can be an alternative solution for carbon dioxide reduction in terms of carbon sink role.