Tree Biomass Carbon Stock Estimation using Permanent Sampling Plot Data in Different Types of Seasonal Forests in Cambodia

Abstract

As a feasibility study for applying a simplified method to estimate CO2 emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in tropical forests, we estimated the nationwide forest tree biomass carbon stock using data from 100 permanent sampling plots (PSPs) set by the Forestry Administration, Cambodia in seasonal forests in Cambodia. Averaged tree carbon stocks and SE-Standard error were at 158.8 ± 7.3 Mg C ha-1 for evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and 55.2 ± 6.9 Mg C ha-1 for deciduous forests in 1998 (the first census) and for the second census in 2000-2001, 163.8 ± 7.8 Mg C ha-1 and 56.2 ± 6.7 Mg C ha-1, respectively. The averaged tree biomass carbon stock differed significantly between the two forest types. Using the forest cover for 2006 and the averaged carbon stock for 2000-2001, the national-level forest tree carbon stock in the early to mid-2000s was estimated at 824.2 ± 39.2 Tg C for evergreen forests and 263.9 ± 31.3 Tg C for deciduous forests, and 1,088.1 ± 50.2 Tg C in total. By repeating this calculation for all forest areas by remote sensing and averaged tree carbon stock via ground-based measurement with PSPs, we could monitor the total tree carbon stock in nationwide forests in Cambodia. We also presented the possible reasons for uncertainty related to the present tree biomass carbon stock of forests and recommendations in order to improve the accuracy of the carbon stock using PSP systems in Cambodia.