Tree Carbon Stocks Research Articles

Climate and mycorrhizae mediate the relationship of tree species diversity and carbon stocks in subtropical forests

Climate and mycorrhizae mediate the relationship of tree species diversity and carbon stocks in subtropical forests

Crop Production and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Grewia oppositifolia-Based Traditional Agroforestry Systems in Indian Himalayan Region

Bhimal (Grewia oppositifolia) is the most important agroforestry tree species used for fodder, fuel and fiber in the Himalayan region. In the present study, G. oppositifolia-based traditional agroforestry systems were selected for the estimation of carbon stock and the production potential of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana), with two elevational ranges, i.e., 1000–1400 and 1400–1800 m amsl, in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The results of the investigation showed a decline in the growth and yield attributes of both the millet crops under the G. oppositifolia-based agroforestry system at both elevations as compared to their respective control sites (sole crops). Among the elevations, the total number of tillers per plant (2.70 and 2.48), the number of active tillers per plant (2.18 and 2.25), panicle length (17.63 cm and 6.95 cm), 1000-seed weight (5.49 g and 4.33 g), grain yield (10.77 q ha−1 and 11.35 q ha−1), straw yield (37.43 q ha−1 and 30.15 q ha−1), biological yield (48.21 q ha−1 and 41.51 q ha−1) and the harvest index (22.53% and 27.78%) were recorded as higher in the lower elevation in both E. frumentacea and E. coracana, respectively, while plant population per m2 (18.64 and 25.26, respectively) was recorded as higher in the upper elevation. Plant height for E. frumentacea (180.40 cm) was also observed to be higher in the upper elevation, while for E. coracana (98.04 cm), it was recorded as higher in the lower elevation. Tree carbon stock was reported negatively with an increase in altitude. The maximum amount of sequestered carbon in the tree biomass for G. oppositifolia was 23.29 Mg ha−1 at the lower elevation and 18.09 Mg ha−1 at the upper elevation. Total carbon stock in the tree biomass was reported to be the highest (15.15 Mg ha−1) in the 10–20 cm diameter class, followed by 20–30 cm (6.99 Mg ha−1), >30 cm (2.75 Mg ha−1) and the lowest (2.32 Mg ha−1) in the <10 cm diameter class. The results show that the yield of E. frumentacea and E. coracana was not reduced so severely under the G. oppositifolia system; however, keeping in mind the other benefits of this multipurpose tree, i.e., carbon sequestration and socioecological relevance, farmers can get benefit from adopting these crops under G. oppositifolia-based agroforestry systems.

Soil Properties Mediated by Topography Influence Carbon Stocks in a Teak Plantation in the Deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana

Recent estimates indicate that over 291 million hectares of the Earth’s land area are occupied by forest plantations, representing 7% of the world’s forest area and 2% of the world’s land area. In Ghana, a substantial amount of degraded land found in hilly areas has been used to establish teak plantations for commercial wood and carbon benefits. Information on the potential influence of topography and soil properties on tree growth and carbon stocks in these plantations is however limited. The study was carried out to assess the influence of elevation on tree growth parameters and carbon stocks in a 7-year-old teak stand and also determined the differences in soil properties along the elevation gradient and its influence on biomass and carbon stocks. Although stand density was statistically similar for the three elevations, tree, diameter, and basal area significantly differed among the three elevations. They were higher at the valley than the mid-slope and the summit. The aboveground biomass and belowground biomass were also significantly higher at the valley compared to the mid-slope and summit. Measured SOC and CEC values between the three elevations showed no significant difference while a positive significant correlation between soil depth and biomass along the altitudinal gradient was observed. Overall, the mean percentage of nitrogen in the soil, pH, potassium, sodium levels, hydrogen, and aluminum varied significantly among the three elevations. Our study suggests that in mountainous areas teak stands in valleys are likely to produce higher biomass and carbon stocks than those in higher elevations; therefore, for better accuracy in biomass and carbon stocks estimations, site elevation should be taken into consideration during carbon stock assessments.

Effects of sustainable forest management on tree diversity, timber volumes, and carbon stocks in an ecotone forest in the northern Brazilian Amazon

The tension between the large global demand for tropical timber, and ecological sustainability and local socioeconomic development in the fragile natural ecosystems of the Amazon region has challenged many generations. In this case study, carried out in an ecotone forest in the northern Brazilian Amazon, we seek to demonstrate how forest management can became more sustainable through silvicultural prescriptions that reduce forest degradation and soil erosion. We evaluated the effects of the sustainable forest management (SFM) on tree diversity, timber volumes, and carbon stocks. A continuous forest inventory was carried out in nine 1-ha permanent plots (900 subplots of 100 m²), distributed in three treatments with three repetitions: T1 = control without selective logging, T2 = SFM, and T3 = SFM + silvicultural treatment of thinning release by tree girdling and poisoning. SFM was carried out with an average of three commercial timber trees harvested per hectare with DBH (diameter at breast height) ≥ 50 cm, corresponding to a timber volume of 20 ± 6 m3 ha-1, equivalent to the removal of 7 ± 2 Mg C ha-1 (5% of the original C). The formation of clearings (gaps) arising from the falling of exploited trees (0.12 ± 0.09 ha) resulted in greater impacts on the forest structure than the construction of 4 m skidder trails (0.06 ± 0.04 ha), with an average of 7 ± 4 damaged trees ha-1 and 5 ± 3 dead trees ha-1. Although six trees species became locally extinct, tree diversity was little altered, and timber volumes and forest carbon volume stocks remained essentially constant at this average logging intensity. Based on our results, sustainable forest management can become an efficient model for land use in the Amazon when harvesting is carried out using this average logging intensity. However, long-term monitoring studies using permanent plots in ecotone forests in the Brazilian Amazon will still be necessary. Quantifying, evaluating, and reporting impacts related to forest management will enable the formation of an empirical basis to support sustanaible forestry practices and for updating environmental legislation, contributing to local socioeconomic development, and maintaining the environmental services provided globally by tropical forests.

Spatial distribution of tree species composition and carbon stock in Tozi tropical dry forest, Sinnar State, Sudan

Abstract. Yasin EHE, Mulyana B. 2022. Spatial distribution of tree species composition and carbon stock in Tozi tropical dry forest, Sinnar State, Sudan. Biodiversitas 23: 2359-2368. Dryland forest ecosystem in Sudan plays an important role, either ecologically or economically, for the community around the forest areas. However, land-use change, illegal logging and grazing have caused dryland forests in the country to degrade. The research aimed to investigate the species composition and carbon stock in a Tozi tropical dry forest (TTDF), a typical dryland forest ecosystem in Sinnar state, Sudan. A total of 306 circular sample plots (1000 m2 for each) were established using a systematic sampling grid method. The distance between plots was 400 m and between survey lines 500 m. In each plot, all living trees were identified and counted, and their diameter at the breast height (DBH) was recorded. Research findings showed that there were 2,339 individual trees representing four species (Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia senegal and Acacia mellifera) that belong to two families. The B. aegyptiaca and A. seyal were the dominant species widely distributed in the TTDF. The average tree density was 175 trees/ha and the Shannon-Weiner index for trees diversity was 0.264. For the seedlings stage, A. mellifera showed a high value of frequency and density, followed by B. aegyptiaca and A. seyal. The structure of seedlings, saplings, and adults trees formed a reverse J-shape in which the density of seedlings was the highest and followed by saplings and adult trees. Carbon stock of A. seyal, B. aegyptiaca, A. senegal, and A. mellifera were 990.95, 2602.78, 1085.82, and 249.20 kg C/ha, respectively. Spatial analysis showed that sites composed of three species resulted in the highest above ground carbon stock compared to single species, two species, and four species compositions.

Biomass carbon stock assessment of mangrove ecosystem in Pannikiang Island South Sulawesi Indonesia

One of the essential services provided by mangroves is carbon sequestration, and therefore climate change mitigation. While previous assessments of mangrove carbon stocks and sequestrations have focused on the estuarine and deltaic mangrove setting, there are still limited studies carried out at small island mangroves. The study aims to assess mangrove biomass carbon stocks in Pannikiang, a small island in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, which occupies 91.64 ha of species-rich pristine mangrove forests. A field-based data collection survey was performed using a circular plot approach, while above-ground tree carbon (AGC) and below-ground root carbon (BGC) stocks were estimated using available species-specific allometric equations. The mean AGC and BGC were 5.34 ± 0.17 and 1.68 ± 0.04 Mg C ha-1, respectively. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza mangrove species stored the greatest of carbon stocks, followed by Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Carbon stocks obtained from small island mangroves in this study were lower than stocks assessed from other mangrove locations across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. However, historical rates of deforestation in Pannikiang Island may generate emissions to approximately 82.17 Mg CO2-eq. Findings from this study will be beneficial in providing baseline data for policy decision-making on climate change mitigation in the region, specifically for improved land use management via a low carbon development agenda.

Thinning Effects on Stand Structure and Carbon Content of Secondary Forests

In, this study, we analysed the effects of thinning on stand structure and carbon stocks for a mixed conifer and broadleaf natural secondary forests in the Small Khingan Mountains, China. Stand structure and carbon stocks were assessed in trees from unthinned control (CK), lightly thinned (LT), moderately thinned (MT) and heavily thinned (HT) treatments. Results showed that the heavier the thinning, the larger the crown area became. Under the MT treatment, trees tended to be evenly distributed when compared to trees under the other treatments. All the trees of the LT and HT treatments were mixed strongly compared to those of the CK treatment. As the thinning intensitiy increased, the distributions of size differentiation and crowding degree gradually decreased. As a result, the competitive pressure diminished, and more dominant trees emerged. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between individual tree carbon stock and canopy under all treatments. Carbon tends to accumulate in individuals with a random distribution, sparse spacing, strong mingling index and large competitive advantage. However, the results varied slightly under the HT treatment. Individuals in a dominant position occupied abundant resources and great niche space.

Variation in carbon stock and soil properties in different Quercus leucotrichophora forests of Garhwal Himalaya

Oak (Q. leucotrichophora) are the oldest forest in temperate region of Himalaya and grow in wide altitudinal ranges. Oak provides various ecosystem services and conserved soil and water and sustained the Himalayan agriculture for subsistence including storing and sequestering CO2. The Oak forests fulfill the needs of the Himalayan people and therefore the potential of carbon storage changes accordingly of the forests in different altitudes. Thus; the present study was conducted to investigate the variation in carbon stock and soil properties in five different oak forest sites of Pauri and Tehri districts of Uttarakhand, Himalaya. Three sample plots were laid out randomly on each site (each of a size of 0.1 ha) for the measurements of tree height, diameter and collecting soil samples. The results of the study showed that the maximum volume, biomass and carbon density of trees were recorded in the Bharsar site. The values of biomass, carbon and density parameters were recorded significant (p < 0.05) at different altitudes of study sites. The soil in all the studied sites were rich in nutrients, where, the maximum values of pH (5.6), soil organic carbon (1.95%), reported in Lansdowne, available nitrogen (217.38 kg/ha) in Chandrabadni and available phosphorus (98.04 kg/ha) in Chopariyal area. The results suggested that the forest site of Bharsar has good capacity of storing biomass and carbon stock in trees and Lansdowne site accumulating higher amount of carbon in the soil compared to other sites. However, it is concluded that, for better conditions of these forests for soil and carbon storing potential, forest needs good management practices, especially in community forests areas to avoid illegal felling, impact of fire, overexploitation of fuel and fodder. The good management practices would be helpful in mitigating the impact of climate change and sustainable outcome of the resources for the community benefits.

Impact of anthropogenic disturbance on tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potential in an upland evergreen forest of Ghana, West Africa

The impact of anthropogenic disturbance on tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potential was assessed in an upland evergreen forest on a disturbance gradient (highly stressed, moderately stressed and non-stressed vegetation) in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Five spatially separated plots with sizes 50 × 50 m were demarcated in each gradient and sampled for vegetation and soil attributes. Specifically, we sampled tree species diversity, vegetation structure and carbon storage potentials in each gradient. A total of 193 tree species belonging to 44 families and 131 genera were recorded. Tree species composition and diversity differed across the gradient. Significantly higher species diversity was recorded in the non-stressed vegetation gradient than in the stressed vegetation gradients. Similarly, the gradients differed in terms of basal area, the density of stands, the height of trees and carbon stock with significantly higher attributes in the non-stressed than the stressed vegetation gradients. Only the basal area and height of stands correlated significantly with tree carbon stock. Anthropogenic disturbances (illegal logging, farming, mining) contributed to the reduced tree species diversity, density of stands and removal of mature trees, which translated into a reduction in the forest's ability to store carbon

Carbon Storage Potential of Agroforestry System near Brick Kilns in Irrigated Agro-Ecosystem

The current study was conducted to estimate the carbon (C) storage status of agroforestry systems, via a non-destructive strategy. A total of 75 plots (0.405 ha each) were selected by adopting a lottery method of random sampling for C stock estimations for soil, trees and crops in the Mandi-Bahauddin district, Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed that the existing number of trees in selected farm plots varied from 25 to 30 trees/ha. Total mean tree carbon stock ranged from 9.97 to 133 Mg C ha−1, between 5–10 km away from the brick kilns in the study area. The decreasing order in terms of carbon storage potential of trees was Eucalyptus camaldulensis &gt; Syzygium cumin &gt; Popolus ciliata &gt; Acacia nilotica &gt; Ziziphus manritiana &gt; Citrus sinensis &gt; Azadirachtta Indica &gt; Delbergia sisso &gt; Bambusa vulgaris &gt; Melia azadarach &gt; Morus alba. Average soil carbon pools ranged from 10.3–12.5 Mg C ha−1 in the study area. Meanwhile, maximum C stock for wheat (2.08 × 106 Mg C) and rice (1.97 × 106 Mg C) was recorded in the cultivated area of Tehsil Mandi-Bahauddin. The entire ecosystem of the study area had an estimated woody vegetation carbon stock of 68.5 Mg C ha−1 and a soil carbon stock of 10.7 Mg C ha−1. These results highlight that climate-smart agriculture has great potential to lock up more carbon and help in the reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, and can be further used in planning policies for executing tree planting agendas on cultivated lands and for planning future carbon sequestration ventures in Pakistan.

Species Diversity, Growing Stock Variables and Carbon Mitigation Potential in the Phytocoenosis of Monotheca buxifolia Forests along Altitudinal Gradient across Pakistan

The sub-tropical broadleaved forests in Pakistan are the main constituents of the ecosystem services playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC. is an important constituent of these forests, encompassing a variety of ecological and commercial uses. To our best knowledge, no quantitative studies have been conducted in these forests across the landscape to establish a baseline for future monitoring. We investigated the forest structural attributes, growing stock characteristics and total biomass carbon stock and established relationships among them in the phytocoenosis of Monotheca forests along an altitudinal gradient in Pakistan to expand an eco-systemic model for assessment of the originally-implemented conservation strategies. A floristic survey recorded 4986 individuals of 27 species in overstory and 59 species in the understory stratum. Species richness (ANOVA; F = 3.239; p = 0.045) and Simpson’s diversity (ANOVA; F = 2.802; p = 0.043) differed significantly in three altitudinal zones, with a maximum value for lower elevations, followed by middle and higher elevations. Based on the importance values, Acacia modesta and Olea ferruginea are strong companions of M. buxifolia at lower and higher altitudes, whereas forests at mid elevation represent pure crop of M. buxifolia (IVI = ≥85.85%). A similar pattern in stem density, volume and Basal area were also recorded. The carbon stock in trees stratum (51.81 T ha−1) and understory vegetation (0.148 T ha−1) contributes high values in the lower elevation forests. In contrast, soil carbon had maximum values at higher elevation (36.21 T ha−1) and minimum at lower elevation (16.69 T ha−1) zones. Aboveground biomass carbon stock (AGB BMC) of woody trees, understory vegetation and soil organic carbon (SOC) were estimated higher (77.72 T ha−1) at higher and lower (68.65 T ha−1) elevations. Likewise, the AGB BMC exhibited a significant (p &lt; 0.05) negative correlation with elevation and positive correlation with soil carbon. We concluded that lower elevation forests are more diverse and floristically rich in comparison to higher altitudinal forests. Similarly, the biomass carbon of Monotheca forests were recorded maximum at low altitudes followed by high and middle ranges, respectively.

Indigenous Sacred Forests as a Tool for Climate Change Mitigation: Lessons from Gedeo Community, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Sacred forests are patches of remnant natural forests, protected through social laws by the local communities near their villages and are always dedicated to cultural purposes. They are playing a significant role in combating climate change and informal enhancing biodiversity conservation. The aim of this study was to estimate carbon stocks of sacred forests by quantifying the aboveground biomass (AGB), and belowground (BGB) carbon of trees. The estimation of carbon stocks was conducted across the three sacred forests of Bolocho sacred forest (BSF), Ejjerissa sacred forest (ESF), and Amba sacred forest (ASF). A total of 30 plots: 10 BSF, 10 ESF, and 10 ASF were sampled and trees with DBH ≥5 cm and a height of ≥3 m was considered for biomass-carbon determination. We compared tree biomass, carbon stocks, stem densities, basal area, and importance value index of trees. Nondestructive methods of woody species biomass measurement was used by using allometric equations developed for application in tropical forests and/ or agroforestry system. A total of 4216 individuals representing 87 different species and 44 families were recorded. Statistical the highest stem density was recorded. Total biomass considered as AGB+BGB, which is highest for ASF followed by ESF and BSF (one way ANOVA, F = 98.66, df, 2, p < .001). The estimated amount of AGB across the three sacred forests were (505 Mg ha−1), (267 Mg ha−1) and (202 Mg ha−1) in ASF, ESF, and BSF, respectively. Total biomass stored, both aboveground and belowground (AGB+BGB) significantly higher for ASF (637 Mg ha−1) followed by ESF (338 Mg ha−1) and BSF (255 Mg ha−1). Total biomass carbon (C) was 318.5 Mg C ha−1 for ASF, 169 Mg C ha−1 for ESF, and 127.5 Mg C ha−1 for BSF. From the present study, it can be concluded that, sacred forests and indigenous way of forest protection has playing an enormous roles in carbon sequestration. Perhaps it could be accepted as best practices in climate change (CC) mitigation and reducing deforestation. Hence, it needs urge calls for an immediate attention for conservation, protections and documentation of indigenous knowledge.

Taxonomic, structural diversity and carbon stocks in a gradient of island forests

Assessment of forest ecosystems and their services is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and to inform the development and implementation of related policies and planning. The Azorean forest is important for timber production, the protection of soil and water resources, and for its recreational and aesthetic value. However, its role in carbon accumulation has not been fully addressed. We assessed plant diversity, forest structure and carbon stocks in a gradient of three forest types (Natural Forest-NF; Exotic Woodland-EW and Production Forest-PF) in three of the Azores islands. We used biodiversity indices and found that NF harbored the highest plant diversity levels and PF the lowest. Diversity levels were lower for structural than for taxonomic data, particularly for PF. The highest tree carbon stock was found at EW in one of the islands, while PF consistently exhibited relatively high tree carbon stocks in the three islands. The largest soil carbon stocks were found at EW, while leaf litter carbon stocks were higher at PF. We concluded that NF play a fundamental role as plant diversity hotspots but have lower relevance as carbon stocks what might be associated with montane environmental conditions. PFs provide economic assets and act as carbon sinks, while EWs play a major role as carbon sinks in soil, but also at tree level in the oldest forests.

Aboveground biomass and carbon stock of Rhizophora apiculata forest in Ca Mau, Vietnam

Abstract. Bao TQ, Ha NT, Nguyet BTM, Hoan VM, Viet LH, Hung DV. 2021. Aboveground biomass and carbon stock of Rhizophora apiculata forest in Ca Mau, Vietnam. Biodiversitas 23: 403-414. Despite the small proportion of mangrove forests globally, they contribute significantly in carbon storage. Yet, biomass and carbon stock in mangrove forests might vary depending on various factors including the dominant species that occurred. This study was conducted to determine the biomass and carbon stock of a mangrove forest dominated by Rhizophora apiculata Blume in Ca Mau, Vietnam. Data were collected from 56 representative sample plots (50m x 50m), and 46 sample trees with different age classes and diameter sizes were cut down to measure the fresh biomass. The dry biomass and carbon content were analyzed in the laboratory. The average aboveground biomass and carbon stock of the individual tree and the R. apiculata forest at different diameter sizes had a significant difference and were mostly found in the stem (74.5%-79.5%). The conversion factor from fresh biomass to dry biomass was 0.56; the conversion factor from dry biomass to carbon was 0.46. The total biomass of the individual trees had a close relationship with two variables diameter at breast height (DBH) and height (Hvn) in the form of the logarithmic function: ln(Wtk) = -1,86412 - 1,95419*ln(Hvn) + 2,26798*ln(DBH*Hvn). The total biomass and carbon stock of the entire forest stand increased in accordance with the diameter size and age classes. The R. apiculata stand had a density of 1,040-15,800 trees/ha and a timber volume of 27.2 to 365.6 m3/ha. The average biomass of the R. apiculata stand was 191.1 tons/ha with a range from 49.6 to 357.4 tons/ha. The carbon stock in forest biomass ranged from 23.8 to 188.7 tons C/ha, with an average of 117.4 tons C/ha. The forest’s CO2 absorption ranged from 60.0 to 691.7 tons CO2/ha, with an average of 415.9 tons/ha. The carbon stocks of trees of age class I to age class VI were 41.6 tons C/ha, 79.4 tons C/ha, 101.4 tons C/ha, 132.9 tons C/ha, 154.0 tons C/ha, and 167.4 tons C/ha, respectively.

Application of Allometric Equation for Estimating Above-Ground Biomass and Carbon Stock of Urban Trees in Selected Areas of Southern Bénin (West Africa)

Urban trees play a crucial role and natural role in sequestrating carbon from the atmosphere. This study estimates the above ground biomass, carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent of urban trees in southern part of Benin Republic. A complete enumeration of street trees was carried out from which 1119 trees were observed and measured for total height and diameter at breast height. Above ground biomass and carbon stock of trees were estimated using allometric equation, because tree carbon stocks are generally not measured directly whenever the biomass estimation involves rare tree species or trees that are meant for protective and aesthetic purposes. The results of the analysis indicated that the total above ground biomass, carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent were 1306.097mt, 613.883mt and 2250.647mt respectively. All trees encountered during data collection belonged to Casuarinaceae, Combretaceae Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Sterculiaceae, Verbenaceae and Meliaceae families and they comprised eleven different tree species with Khaya senegalensis as the dominant tree species. It can be concluded from this study that the urban trees in southern part of Benin act as a reservoir of atmospheric carbon dioxide and further play important part in the global climate change mitigation.

Tree species composition, biomass and carbon stocks in Urban Green Spaces of Prayagraj

Urban Green Spaces store higher above ground biomass (AGB) and AGB carbon (AGBC). In the present study the tree composition, diversity, dominance and carbon stocks in the AGB U.G.C. of viz., the Company Garden (C.G.), Minto Park (M.P.), Khusro Bagh (K.B.), PD Tandon Park and the Hathi Park (H.P.) of Prayagraj, India were assessed. A total of 27, 24,21,18 and 14 different tree species belong to 15,14,11,12 and 9 families were found in the C.G, M.P., K.B.,PD and H.P., respectively. In the C.G, M.P., K.B., PD and H.P the Shannon diversity index (1.22) (2.35) (2.91) (2.79) (2.50) and the Simpson index (0.050) (0.046) (0.062) (0.066) (0.094) were significant. The AGB, BGB, TGB and carbon in C.G. were (49.14) (13.27) (62.41) (31.21) respectively. However, compared to other site a higher carbon stock was found in C.G.

Responses of Tree Species Richness, Diversity, Composition, Structure and Carbon Stocks to Forest Management in the Sudanian Domain of West Africa

Responses of Tree Species Richness, Diversity, Composition, Structure and Carbon Stocks to Forest Management in the Sudanian Domain of West Africa

Responses of Tree Species Richness, Diversity, Composition, Structure and Carbon Stocks to Forest Management in the Sudanian Domain of West Africa

Responses of Tree Species Richness, Diversity, Composition, Structure and Carbon Stocks to Forest Management in the Sudanian Domain of West Africa

Adapting a Quercus robur allometric equation to quantify carbon sequestration rates on the Middle Elbe floodplain

Destructively sampling old Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) trees on the active floodplain of the Middle Elbe to create an allometric equation to estimate carbon stocks (CS) and carbon sequestration rates (CSR) would defeat the purpose of protecting increasingly vulnerable and threatened primeval floodplain forests. To nondestructively estimate CS and CSR, we have adapted a two-parameter allometric equation which uses tree height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH) (Dik 1984, Zianis et al. 2005) into a 1-parameter equation that requires only DBH to quantify stocks and annual changes in carbon stock (carbon sequestration rates) for individual Q. robur trees. The equations have also been adapted to estimate below- and above-ground carbon stocks of individual trees.The new method has:•Adapted a 2-parameter Quercus robur allometric equation which estimates tree volume to a 1-parameter equation which estimates above and below-ground carbon stock•Removed the requirement of tree height to reconstruct the carbon stock of trees at an annual timestep•An almost perfect linear relationship (Pearson R2= 0.998) between carbon sequestration rate and basal area increment (BAI)

Carbon storage estimation in a secondary tropical forest at CIEE Sustainability Center, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Secondary growth tropical rainforests have the potential to sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and as such are an important carbon sink. To evaluate a local forest, a Carbon Neutrality Program was initiated at the Council on International Educational Exchange, San Luis Campus, Monteverde, Costa Rica. The study was conducted on 50 hectares of forest classified as Premontane Wet Forest. The forest, part of the Arenal-Monteverde Protected Zone, is estimated to be aproximately 50 years old and is in the upper regions of the San Luis valley at 1100 m elevation. Assessment of the carbon stock in trees was carried out in two permanent, 1 hectare plots, 100 m by 100 m, Camino Real and Zapote. The plots were divided into 25 subplots, 20 m by 20 m totaling 400 m2 per subplot. Ten subplots in each area were studied which represented 1.6% the total surface area of the forest. All of the trees were measured within the subplots that had a diameter at breast height ≥ 10 cm and the height of 10% of the trees measured. The estimated total CO2 sequestered by the campus forest was 18,210 ton (in 2019).