Carbon storage potentials and soil characteristics of casuarina (Casuarina junghuhniana) stand in toraja highlands, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Casuarina junghuhniana is a species that grows well in the highlands of Toraja with altitudes ranging from 700 to 1200 m above sea level (asl). This study aims to determine the carbon stock of C. junghuhniana and the characteristics of the soil beneath when associated with the age of the stand. Determination of the sample plots using purposive method in plots size of 25 x 25 m at different ages of stands, namely 5, 12, and 22 years old. Tree biomass and carbon values were calculated using allometric equation by measuring the tree diameter. Besides that, analysis was also carried out on the physical and chemical properties of the soil under the casuarina stands based on the difference in the age of the stands and soil depth. The results showed that there was an increase in the average carbon value of stands based on the increasing age of the stands. The average carbon stock of trees at the age of 5 years was 13.40 tons/ha, 12 years old was 37.15 tons/ha, and at 22 years old was 93.37 tons/ha. physical properties of the soil did not show a significant difference when associated with the age of the stand and soil depth. However, the chemical properties of the soil show slight differences according to the depth of the soil.