Rate of Carbon Storage in Soil of Natural and Degraded Mangrove Forest in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

AbstractThe rate of economic advancement in developing countries is gradually becoming antagonistic to environmental protection and to this end mangrove forests are gradually disappearing. Such development potentially adds to the pain experienced from global warming. Mangrove forest protection is necessary consequent upon the evidence of its carbon sequestration potentials. Hence, this study aimed to document the carbon storage rate in the soil of Peninsular Malaysia as it relates both natural and degraded mangrove areas. While the study areas were characterized of their associated trees/plant species distribution, 18 sampling spots were used in each area for the study. Both study areas showed high organic carbon content across three climate periods: dry, wet, and intermediate seasons. However, both organic carbon content and carbon storage rate were more pronounced during the dry season. Despite the degraded nature of the Sungai Haji Dorani mangrove forest, its total carbon value of 25.26 kg C m−2 was higher compared with that found in Kuala Selangor, a natural mangrove forest (22.61 kg C m−2). The climate period plays a significant role in the accumulation of organic matter and carbon content of the mangrove forest in Malaysia which is a reflection of a significant carbon sequestration potential.