Ground Biomass Carbon Research Articles

Stand growth, Biomass and Carbon sequestration potentials of Parkia biglobosa (jacq.) Bench plantation in South-Western Nigeria

This study assessed tree growth variables, above (AGB), below ground biomass (BGB) and total carbon content (TC) sequestered by Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Bench. Plantation in Wasangare, Oyo State using non-destructive ground base survey. Tree growth data (Diameter at breast height, Dbh and Tree height, Th) were collected using lacer ace hypsometer and diameter girth tape from 20 temporary sampling plots of size 25 m X 25 m established through systematic transect lines. Diameter size classes (DSC) for the plantation was examined, carbon stock for each DSC was also determine while basal area (m2 ha-1), volume (m3 ha-1), Biomass (Mg ha-1) and Carbon (Mg ha-1) were also estimated. Results showed mean Dbh of 18.7 + 0.25 cm with 8.14 + 0.10 m, 0.033 + 0.00 m2 ha-1 and 0.320 + 0.01 m3 ha-1 for tree height, basal area and volume respectively. AGB and BGB were 10.877 + 0.39 Mgha-1 and 2.175 + 0.08 Mgha-1 respectively while TC was 6.527 + 0.24 Mgha-1. The percentage carbon stock proportion for each DSC revealed class size 25-29-9 cm (19.02%) as the highest while the least proportion was observed in less than 5 cm class with 0.04% of carbon. The DSC showed majority of the tree Dbh in lower Dbh classes with fewer trees in higher classes forming almost a normal bell shape. The study provides information that can help the management in planning silvicultural activities and selective removal from the stand (harvesting schedule). Tree Dbh, height, basal area, volume and biomass are the determinant characteristics for forest carbon assessment. In conclusion, the plantation actively sequesters carbon showing potentials for indigenous trees in climate change mitigation.

Forest cover change and its carbon dynamic of the karst area in Bulusaraung, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Information on land forest cover changes and carbon stocks in karst areas is vital for management planning. Therefore, an analysis of the dynamics of land forest cover, carbon stocks of secondary karst forests, and their future projections is necessary. This study aimed to analyze the carbon stocks of secondary forests, forest cover change, and their projections in karst areas. We used 43 sample plots of 20 m x 20 m to measure Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon stocks. Forest cover data were collected using remote sensing and GIS tools. Data analysis of the ABG of the secondary forest for the karst plain and karst tower was conducted using the Chave equation. Land-cover change was analyzed by delineating the 2011, 2016, and 2021 land-cover data from satellite imagery and testing the accuracy using survey data fields and high-resolution images. Land-cover projections for 2026 and 2031 were obtained using Cellular Automata Markov (CA-Markov) analysis. The results revealed ten land cover types in the karst area of the Bulusaraung Forest Management Unit (FMU). Secondary dryland karst forests (tower and plain karst) were the dominant forest types (60%) in the Maros-Pangkep essential karst ecosystem area. Both karst types of secondary forests are relatively high carbon stores. Data projection shows that the mining area will grow extensively by 2031. Secondary dryland karst forests will be degraded by 15.5% in 20 years due to increased mining activities, conversion to paddy fields, dryland agriculture, and mixed dryland agriculture. Karst ecosystems are vital for carbon and water storage. Therefore, some strategies are required for the sustainable management of Maros-Pangkep Karst are as follows: (i) controlling the opening of mining areas according to sustainable environmental principles, (ii) encouraging the implementation of post-mining land rehabilitation, (iii) increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving karst areas, and (iv) implementing soil conservation rules by prioritizing agroforestry systems in dryland farming.

Estimation of above Ground Biomass and Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Dry Forests of Palakonda Hill Ranges, Southern Eastern Ghats

Estimation of above Ground Biomass and Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Dry Forests of Palakonda Hill Ranges, Southern Eastern Ghats

Assessment of above ground biomass and soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal under climate change scenario

IntroductionMany factors, such as climate, topography, forest management, or tree/forest attributes, influence soil organic carbon (SOC) and above-ground tree biomass (AGTB). This study focuses on assessing relationship between various predictor variables and response variables (SOC and AGTB) in the perspective of climate change scenario. The study was conducted throughout in Nepal using forest resource assessment data (2010–2014).MethodsOur study applied a random forest model to assess the status of SOC and AGTB under future climate change scenarios using 19 bioclimatic variables accompanied by other variables such as altitude, aspect, basal area, crown cover development status, distance to settlement forest types, number of trees, macro-topography, management regime, physiographic zones, slope, and soil depth. The study used 737 (70%) samples as a training data for model development while 312 (30%) samples as a testing data for model validation.Results and discussionThe respective RMSE, RMSE% and adjusted R2 of the Random Forest Model for SOC estimation were found to be 9.53 ton/ha, 15% and 0.746 while same for the AGTB were 37.55 ton/ha, 21.74% and 0.743. Particularly, changes in temperature and precipitation showed an effect on the amount of SOC and AGTB in the projected scenario i.e., CMIP6, SSP2 4.5 for 2040–2060. The study found the amount of SOC decreased by 3.85%, while AGTB increased by 2.96% in the projected scenario. The proposed approach which incorporates the effect of bioclimatic variables can be a better option for understanding the dynamics of SOC and AGTB in the future using climatic variables.

Floristic Composition, Diversity and Carbon Stock Along Altitudinal Gradient in Hasantar Community Forest, in Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu District

This study has attempted to estimate above and below ground biomass along altitudinal gradient and examined the relation between carbon stock and diversity indices. The study area was categorized into three sections based on the elevation interval of 200m ranging from 1300m to 1900m. Vegetation sampling was performed in 33 circular plots, each of 500m2 and was selected based on systematic random sampling. Phyto-sociological parameters and above and below ground biomass and total carbon stock were calculated for each section of the study area. Carbon stock showed negative and insignificant relation with species evenness (r=-0.24, P= 0.17) and positive but insignificant relation with species richness (r=0.17, p=0.34) and Simpson’s index of dominance (r=0.18, P=0.31). However, humped shaped and statistically insignificant (P=0.93) relationship was observed between Shannon diversity index and carbon stock. This research results provide baseline information for the management of Hasantar community forest.

Impact of patch size on tree biomass and carbon stock from a tropical dry forest of West Bengal, India

The patterns of biomass and stock carbon distribution across different size of patches in a fragmentedlandscape have been poorly investigated. This paper deals with the estimation of biomass and carbon stockof trees in different girth classes by the nondestructive method in a dry tropical fragmented forest landscapeof Jhargram district, West Bengal, India. I analyzed on the basis of DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) anddensity values of trees. These values were noticed highest in the girth class 67-101 (cbh in cm) for 1 ha, 50ha, and 100 ha patches. But in case of 10 ha patch it showed top value in girth class 32-66 (cbh in cm). Theamount of total biomass and stock carbon observed maximum (367.919 and 183.959 t/ha respectively) in100 ha patch and minimum (45.846 and 22.923 t/ha respectively) in 1 ha patch. It may be due to the occurrenceof greater density and age of the trees in 100 ha forest patch. This research indicates that the patch size oftropical forest is proportionally related to the amount of ground biomass and stock carbon. Hence,fragmentation creates major threats to the amount of stock carbon in the forest landscape.

Global carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry and increased tree cover on agricultural land

Biomass is fundamental to circular agricultural systems. Estimates of above- and below-ground biomass on agricultural land based upon IPCC Tier 1 estimates are compared with an updated carbon density map based on remote sensing, with results indicating the methodology and initial estimations are robust. Two scenarios are evaluated to estimate carbon sequestration potential of increasing tree cover on agricultural land: 1.) incremental change and 2.) systematic change to agroforestry. Estimates of above- and below ground biomass carbon were combined with a tree cover analysis to estimate the increase in biomass. Global increases (4−6 Pg C for incremental change; 12−19 Pg C for systematic change) highlight substantial mitigation potential. Increasing global tree cover on agricultural land by 10% would sequester more than 18 Pg C. South America has the highest potential, followed by Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, and North America. Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, India, the United States and China are among the top countries.

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.

Comperative study of aboveground biomass and carbon storage between Tembawang and conventional rubber agroforestry in West Kalimantan Indonesia

In the era of intensive oil palm and rubber plantations in Kalimantan, some local communities of Dayak's tribe in West Kalimantan preserved the traditional agroforestry system "Tembawang". In the last two decades, rubber has been planted traditionally by local communities since the expansion of rubber industries. This study aimed to compare tree above ground biomass (AGB) distribution and carbon storage in different DBH (diameter at breast height) classes between Tembawang and conventional rubber plantation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Vegetation transect analysis was carried out on two types of traditional agroforestry namely Tembawang and conventional rubber. AGB estimation was based on the existing allometric, carbon storage was estimated from the percentage of biomass. Total AGB of Tembawang was higher than conventional rubber plantation and significantly different (p < 0.01). The highest AGB accumulation both Tembawang and conventional rubber was found at above 50 cm diameter class. The aboveground carbon storage from Tembawang and conventional rubber plantation were 90.26 and 42.01 Mg C ha-1, respectively. The highest contribution to carbon storage was found at above 50 cm diameter class, estimated 62.58 % from Tembawang and 49.24 % from conventional rubber. AGB and carbon storage at traditional agroforestry in West Kalimantan were greater than varied different agroforestry system, also the estimated value was closed to tropical secondary forests. Tembawang agroforestry has good potential contribution to carbon storage and conservation of native fruit trees of Kalimantan.

The effect of land management on carbon sequestration in salty rangelands of Golestan province, Iran

Land management is one of the most important factors affecting the protection and carbon sequestration of natural ecosystems. If the ecosystem is maintained naturally, it will have suitable vegetation and soil stability. One of the important factors that affects land management is livestock grazing. In order to evaluate the impact of exclosure rangeland on carbon sequestration (CS) in salty rangelands, the study was carried out in Inchehboroun rangelands of Golestan province, Iran. The main purpose of current research was to evaluate the effectiveness of management of salt rangeland on CS by topsoil and halophytes species. For this purpose, 40 plots (with 2 m2 area) were located along 8 transects of 100 m in exclosure rangeland (ER) and grazing rangeland (GR) sites. The sampling method was randomized-systematic. In the area sampled, plant biomass was estimated. In addition, the content of above ground and underground biomass carbon, litter carbon, and soil organic carbon were determined for both ER and GR. The difference between the means was compared using Duncan test and t-test at P < 0.05. The result showed that the total CS for ER site was 15.02 ton/ha while it was 11.934 ton/ha in the case of GR. The total carbon sequestration (TCS) in ER was higher than the GR site. The CS of Halocnemum strobilaceum with 17.4 and 11.74% in ER and GR relatively was higher than that of other species. The results showed that the CS of shrubs in GR was lower than the ER site. The results revealed that the amount of C is affected by the land management in the production of OM and its degradation in the topsoil of salt rangeland. Aerial part of plants are the most important and sensitive part of an ecosystem that directly affects the C uptake and is also strongly influenced by the effect of animal grazing.

Above ground biomass carbon assessment using field, satellite data and model based integrated approach to predict the carbon sequestration potential of major land use sector of Arunachal Himalaya, India

The land-use sector needs special importance owing to its ability to store and emit carbon back to the atmosphere. Land-use changes and their correlations could elucidate conditions that put forests at risk of conversion to other land uses. The impact of rapid forest cover change tends to reduce the percentage of forest cover, thereby reducing the potential for carbon storage in woody biomass. The study was conducted in the state of Arunachal Pradesh to estimate the above-ground biomass, carbon pool and sequestration potential of major land-use sectors. The above-ground biomass of selected land-uses viz. dense forest, moderately dense forest, open forest, plantations, Jhum >5 years, Jhum <5 years and current jhum are 332.28 t ha−1, 246.63 t ha−1, 145.36 t ha−1, 179.31 t ha−1, 149.63 t ha−1, 55.40 t ha−1, 16.84 t ha−1 respectively. The developed model is derived from Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) for prediction of above-ground biomass (AGB) (R 2 = 0.85, p < 0.05). The resultant R 2 value of 85% predicts that 79% of accuracy could be assumed by the model. The RMSE of the model was 53.21 t ha−1, having no multicollinearity problem keeping tolerance (0.49) and VIF (2.80). The spatial AGB density map was predicted using a step-wise linear regression model which used AGB, SAVI and ARVI of the corresponding sample plot location. The implication of the land-use change revealed that about 84% carbon will be lost from dense forest once it is converted to Jhum (Jhum is the alternate name of Shifting cultivation in India) followed by Jhum <5 years (65%). It is pertinent to mention here that, the present analysis will help the policymakers in visualizing a proper developmental goal to regulate land-use changes for achieving the higher carbon stock and maintaining balance in the global climate scenario.

Assessment of Growing Stock, Above Ground Biomass and Sequestered Carbon in Sal Dominated Kushmi Forest Gorakhpur

The intergovernmental panel on climate change identified that forest growing stocks is the largest terrestrial carbon sink in terrestrial ecosystem and account for nearly 90% of all leaving terrestrial biomass. The amount of carbon stocked by a forest can be estimated from the biomass accumulation since approximately half of forest dry biomass weight constitutes carbon. Present study was carried out during 2017-18 in Kushmi Sal Forest near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The whole forest is a best example of plantation forest mainly dominated by Shorea robusta. The other associate species like Tectona grandis, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia arjuna, Albizia lebbeck, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus sp., Madhuca indica, Azadirachta indica, and Bombax ceiba were also found in certain part in patches or in scattered form. Present research is an attempt in this direction to quantify the growing stock and carbon stock of Kushmi forest. The woody volume of tress for each species was calculated using volume equation developed by FSI for various species. The total area of Kushmi forest is 3207.10 ha (Tilkonia forest range) comprises total number of forest tree 580480. The maximum number of tree belongs to species Shorea robusta (402560) followed by Tectona grandis (80640) whereas the least numbers of trees of species Bombax ceiba (5052). The maximum diameter was recorded in Madhuca indica (1.53m) followed by Azadirachta indica (1.38m) while minimum diameter was recorded in Dalbergia sissoo (0.51m). The total growing stock was found in Shorea robusta (7158573.87m 3 ) followed by Tectona grandis (690116.45m 3 ) while minimum 3 was found in Dalbergia sissoo (19966.64m 3 ). The total above ground carbon stock in the research area was recorded 3.727 Mt C.

The Global Land Carbon Cycle Simulated With ISBA‐CTRIP: Improvements Over the Last Decade

AbstractWe present the latest version of the ISBA‐CTRIP land surface system, focusing on the representation of the land carbon cycle. We review the main improvements since the year 2012, mainly added modules for wild fires, carbon leaching through soil and transport of dissolved organic carbon to the ocean, and land cover changes but also improved representation of photosynthesis, respiration, and plant functional types. This version of ISBA‐CTRIP is fully described in terms of land carbon pools, fluxes, and their interactions. Results are compared with the previous version in an off‐line mode forced by observed climate during the historical time period. The two simulations are presented to demonstrate the model performance compared to an ensemble of observed and observation‐derived data sets for gross and net primary productivity, heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration, above and below ground biomass, litter, and soil carbon pools. New developments specific to the new version such as burned area, fire emissions, carbon leaching, and land cover are also validated against observations. The results show clearly that the latest version of ISBA‐CTRIP outperforms the former version and reproduces generally well the observed mean spatial patterns in carbon pools and fluxes, as well as the seasonal cycle of leaf area index. The trends of the global fluxes over the last 50 years agree with other global models and with available estimates. This comparison gives us confidence that the model represents the main processes involved in the terrestrial carbon cycle and can be used to explore future global change projections.

A Model to Estimate Stored Carbon in the Upland Forests of the Wanggu Watershed

Climate change coupled with deforestation has brought about an increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. One way to control climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by maintaining the integrity of natural forests and increasing the density of tree populations. This research aimed to (a) identifies the density of stand trees in the upland forests of the Wanggu Watershed; (b) analyze the potential carbon stocks contained in the upstream forests of the Wanggu Watershed; (c) develop a model to estimate potential carbon stocks in the upland forests of the Wanggu Watershed. The land cover classification in this study used the guided classification with the Object-Based Image algorithm. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was employed as an indicator of vegetation cover density. Field measurements were carried out by calculating the diameter of the stand trees in 30 observation plots. Field biomass values were obtained through allometric equations. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between NDVI densities and field biomass. The results showed that the best equation for estimating potential carbon stocks in the Wanggu Watershed forest area was y = 3.48 (Exp. 7,435x), with an R2 of 50.2%. Potential above ground biomass carbon in the Wanggu Watershed based on NDVI values was 414,043.26 tons in 2019, consist of protected forest areas of 279,070.15 tons and production forests of 134,973.11 tons. While total above biomass carbon based on field measurement reached 529,541.01 tons, consist of protected forests of 419,197.82 tons and production forests of 110,343.20 tons.

Estimation of carbon pools in secondary tropical deciduous forests of Odisha, India

Secondary tropical forests sequester atmospheric CO2 at relatively faster rates in vegetation and in soil than old-growth primary forests. Spatial understanding of biomass and carbon stocks in different plant functional types of these forests is important. Structure, diversity, composition, soil features and carbon stocks in six distinct plant functional types, namely: Moist Mixed-Deciduous Forest, Peninsular Sal Forest (PSF), Semi-Evergreen Forest (SEF), Planted Teak Forest, Bamboo Brakes (BB), and Degraded Thorny Shrubby Forest were quantified as secondary tropical deciduous forests of the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India. Seventy-one species ≥ 10 cm Girth at breast height (GBH) were recorded, belonging to 38 families and 65 genera. Above- ground biomass carbon and soil organic carbon ranged from 2.1–72.7 Mg C ha−1 and 20.6–67.1 Mg C ha−1, respectively, among all plant functional types. Soil organic carbon and important value index were positively correlated with above- ground biomass carbon. Maximum carbon allocation was in SOC pool (51–91%), followed by the above- ground biomass pool (9–52%), indicating SOC is one of the major carbon sinks in secondary dry forests. The results highlight the importance of secondary tropical deciduous forests in biodiversity conservation and ecological importance in reducing greenhouse gases.

Effect of legume and grazing intensity on soil organic carbon and total nitrogen stock in Himalayan rangeland

Organic carbon and total nitrogen are important components of global carbon and nitrogen cycle in rangeland ecology.Objective of this study is to identify and quantify the present status of carbon and nitrogen pool in Himalayan rangeland and to make recommendations for enhancing carbon and nitrogen storage for rangeland management. To meet the aforementioned objectives, the field study was conducted in 2011 -2013. The study showed that soil organic carbon was highest in legume seeding sub-plot in top soil (28.53 ± 2.6) t/ha of heavily grazed area. Similarly, total nitrogen was highest in bottom soil (2.81 ± 0.16) t/ha in legume seeding sub-plot of enclosed un-grazed area. Usually, heavily grazed and legume seeding sub-plots had more soil organic carbon and total nitrogen concentration compared to others. The value of above ground biomass was in increasing trend with decreasing grazing intensity but for below ground biomass, it was just the reverse. On the basis of the results of this study, the grazing intensity is positively correlated with above ground and below ground biomass and soil organic carbon but no correlation with soil total nitrogen and soil bulk density.

Carbon stock of the various carbon pools in Gerba-Dima moist Afromontane forest, South-western Ethiopia

BackgroundUnlike in the developed countries, Ethiopia does not have carbon inventories and databank to monitor and enhance carbon sequestration potential of different forests. Only small efforts have been made so far to assess the biomass and soil carbon sequestration at micro-level. This study was carried out to obtain sufficient information about the carbon stock potential of Gerba-Dima forest in south-western Ethiopia. A total of 90 sample plots were laid by employing stratified random sampling. Nested plots were used to collect data of the four carbon pools. For trees with a diameter range of 5 cm < diameter < 20 cm, the carbon stock was assessed from a plot size of 49 m2 (7 m * 7 m). For trees with a diameter range of 20 cm < diameter < 50 cm, the carbon stock was assessed from a plot size of 625 m2 (25 m * 25 m). For trees > 50 cm diameter, an additional larger sample of 35 * 35 m2 was used. Litter, herb and soil data were collected from 1 m2 subplot established at the center of each nested plot. To compute the above ground biomass carbon stock of trees and shrubs with DBH > 5 cm, their DBH and height were measured. The biomass carbon assessment of woody species having DBH < 5 cm, litter and herb were conducted by measuring their fresh weight in the field and dry weight in the laboratory.ResultsThe mean total carbon stock density of Gerba-Dima forest was found to be 508.9 tons carbon ha−1, out of which 243.8, 45.97, 0.03 and 219.1 tons carbon ha−1 were stored in the above ground biomass, below ground biomass, litter biomass and soil organic carbon, respectively.ConclusionsThe existence of high carbon stock in the study forest shows the potential of the area for climate change mitigation. Thus, all stakeholders at the local and national level should work together to implement effective conservation measures and get benefit from the biocarbon fund.

Post-drought decline of the Amazon carbon sink

Amazon forests have experienced frequent and severe droughts in the past two decades. However, little is known about the large-scale legacy of droughts on carbon stocks and dynamics of forests. Using systematic sampling of forest structure measured by LiDAR waveforms from 2003 to 2008, here we show a significant loss of carbon over the entire Amazon basin at a rate of 0.3 ± 0.2 (95% CI) PgC yr−1 after the 2005 mega-drought, which continued persistently over the next 3 years (2005–2008). The changes in forest structure, captured by average LiDAR forest height and converted to above ground biomass carbon density, show an average loss of 2.35 ± 1.80 MgC ha−1 a year after (2006) in the epicenter of the drought. With more frequent droughts expected in future, forests of Amazon may lose their role as a robust sink of carbon, leading to a significant positive climate feedback and exacerbating warming trends.

Mapping land use changes resulting from biofuel production and the effect of mitigation measures

AbstractMany of the sustainability concerns of bioenergy are related to direct or indirect land use change (LUC) resulting from bioenergy feedstock production. The environmental and socio‐economic impacts of LUC highly depend on the site‐specific biophysical and socio‐economic conditions. The objective of this study is to spatiotemporally assess the potential LUC dynamics resulting from an increased biofuel demand, the related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the potential effect of LUC mitigation measures. This assessment is demonstrated for LUC dynamics in Brazil towards 2030, considering an increase in the global demand for bioethanol as well as other agricultural commodities. The potential effects of three LUC mitigation measures (increased agricultural productivity, shift to second‐generation ethanol, and strict conservation policies) are evaluated by using a scenario approach. The novel modelling framework developed consists of the global Computable General Equilibrium model MAGNET, the spatiotemporal land use allocation model PLUC, and a GIS‐based carbon module. The modelling simulations illustrate where LUC as a result of an increased global ethanol demand (+26 × 109 L ethanol production in Brazil) is likely to occur. When no measures are taken, sugar cane production is projected to expand mostly at the expense of agricultural land which subsequently leads to the loss of natural vegetation (natural forest and grass and shrubland) in the Cerrado and Amazon. The related losses of above and below ground biomass and soil organic carbon result in the average emission of 26 g CO2‐eq/MJ bioethanol. All LUC mitigation measures show potential to reduce the loss of natural vegetation (18%–96%) as well as the LUC‐related GHG emissions (7%–60%). Although there are several uncertainties regarding the exact location and magnitude of LUC and related GHG emissions, this study shows that the implementation of LUC mitigation measures could have a substantial contribution to the reduction of LUC‐related emissions of bioethanol. However, an integrated approach targeting all land uses is required to obtain substantial and sustained LUC‐related GHG emission reductions in general.

Estimating fire severity and carbon emissions over Australian tropical savannahs based on passive microwave satellite observations

ABSTRACTWe investigated the use of a recently developed satellite-based vegetation optical depth (VOD) data set to estimate fire severity and carbon emission over Australian tropical savannahs. VOD is sensitive to the dynamics of all aboveground vegetation and available nearly every two days. For areas burned during 2003–2010, we calculated the VOD change (ΔVOD) pre- and post-fire and the associated loss in the above ground biomass carbon. ΔVOD agreed well with the Normalized Burn Ratio change (ΔNBR) which is the metric used to estimate fire severity and carbon loss compared well with modelled emissions from the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED). We found that the ΔVOD and ΔNBR are generally linearly related. The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between VOD- and GFED-based fire carbon emissions for monthly and annual total estimates are very high, 0.92 and 0.96, respectively. A key feature of fire carbon emissions is the strong inter-annual variation, ranging from 21.1 Mt in 2010 to 84.3 Mt in 2004. This study demonstrates that a reasonable estimate of fire severity and carbon emissions can be achieved in a timely manner based on multiple satellite observations over Australian tropical savannahs, which can be complementary to the currently used approaches.