Evaluation of potential total carbon stock under various agroforestry types in Senaru Forest Area-North Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

The different agroforestry management can perform different potentials for carbon sequestration. The study aimed to estimate the potential of carbon stocks in various types of agroforestry in the last 20 years in Senaru area, the sub district of Bayan, Northern Lombok. The study was conducted from June to August 2022. Different types of agroforestry managed on entisols include mahogany based agroforestry (Swietenia mahagoni), Cacao-based agroforestry (Theobroma cacao), Coffee-based agroforestry (Robusta Coffee), Sengon based- agroforestry (Albizia chinensis), and Porang-based agroforestry (Amorphophallus muelleri). Samples for measuring above ground biomass at each agroforestry were carried out on plot area of 20 m x 20 m. Samples for soil organic carbon (SOC) was carried out by collecting 4 composite soil samples at each type of agroforestry at soil depth of 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm. In addition to the soil organic-C, measurements were also made on soil bulk density, total porosity, and soil texture. The results of the study showed that the total carbon stocks varied under different types of agroforestry. Mahogany based agroforestry produced the highest total carbon stocks, 440.64 ton.ha−1, and subsequently, it was followed by sengon-based agroforestry, coffee, cocoa and porang with values of 371.54 ton ha−1, 305.33 ton ha−1, 166.15 ton ha−1 and 153.93 ton ha−1 respectively. Thus, to support sustainable agroforestry management in this area, it is important to consider the timber tree stands that potentially produce high biomass as well as the need to improve the diversity of high biomass vegetation in areas with low vegetation density.