Ground Carbon Stock Research Articles

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.

Carbon stock assessment and its relation with tree biodiversity in Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

Spatial understanding of biomass and carbon stock in tropical moist deciduous forests is crucial in assessment of global carbon budget. The present study was aimed to assess the above ground and below ground carbon stock and its relation with tree diversity parameters in two tropical moist deciduous forest sites, namely: Xylia dominated forest (XDF) and Sal dominated forest (SDF) of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Odisha, India. A total of seventy-two tree species ≥ 5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were recorded, belonging to 62 genera and 27 families. Estimated average above-ground biomass carbon and soil organic carbon were 180.05 Mg C ha−1, 55.4 Mg C ha−1 and 209.3 Mg C ha−1, 61.8 Mg C ha−1 in XDF and SDF of SBR, respectively. Shorea robusta Gaertn. was the most carbon accumulating species of both the forests contributing about 21.5% of biomass carbon in XDF and 47.8% biomass carbon in SDF. Maximum carbon allocation was in above-ground biomass pool (69.04%) followed by soil organic carbon (20.9%) and below-ground biomass/root (10.1%). The correlation study revealed that above-ground biomass had strong positive correlation with basal area and Importance Value Index of tree species indicating importance of dominant species in carbon storage. Therefore, the dominant tree species such as S. robusta Gaertn., Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub., Terminalia tomentosa Wight & Arn., Schleichera oleosa Lour.) Merr. etc. is suggested for proper conservation and management to maintain the carbon stock of SBR. The results emphasized the importance of tropical moist deciduous forests in potential carbon storage and conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystem of India. Further, the information will supplement to the global deficit of carbon stock data of moist deciduous forest and has implications in carbon model projections and management both nationally and globally.

Productivity and carbon sequestration potential of coconut-based cropping system as influenced by integrated nutrient management practices

A field experiment was carried out at Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye (DBSKKV, Dapoli), Maharashtra (India) during 2013-2018 to study the productivity and carbon sequestration potential as influenced by integrated nutrient management (INM) practices in coconut based cropping system. INM practices viz., T1- 75 per cent of RDF+25 per cent of N through organic recycling with vermicompost, T2- 50 per cent of RDF+50 per cent of N through organic recycling with vermicompost + vermiwash application + bio-fertilizer application + in situ green manuring (cowpea), T3- fully organic: 100 per cent N through organic recycling with vermicompost + vermiwash application + bio-fertilizer application + in situ green manuring (cowpea) and green leaf manuring + composted coir pith, husk incorporation and mulching with coconut leaves were imposed in coconut based cropping system involving nutmeg, cinnamon, banana and pineapple. For comparison, T4- control: monocrop of coconut with recommended NPK and organic manure was maintained. Four treatments were laid out in a block of 0.45 ha area each. Among the different INM practices, treatment T1 sequestered the highest amount of above ground (coconut + nutmeg) carbon stock (31.1 t ha-1) followed by T2 (30.3 t ha-1) and T3 (27.3 t ha-1). In contrast, the treatment T4 - coconut monocrop alone had sequestered 25.6 t ha-1. The below-ground soil carbon stock in the rhizosphere of different crops was the highest in the nutrient management under T3 followed by T2 and T1, whereas, it was the lowest in coconut monocrop. The productivity of the system was higher in the intercropping garden. The coconut nut yield (5-year average) was higher yield under T1 (147.2 nuts palm-1 year-1), followed by T2 (138.4 nuts palm-1 year-1) and T3 (123.6 nuts palm-1 year-1), whereas, monocrop had recorded a significantly lower number of nuts (97.2 nuts palm-1 year-1).

Culm Allometry and Carbon Storage Capacity of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.WendL. in the Tropical Evergreen Rain Forest of Cameroon

ABSTRACT The carbon storage capacity and allometry for bamboo in forest ecosystems has been neglected in the Congo Basin. This study evaluated the above ground carbon stocks and develop allometry for Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. in the tropical evergreen forest of Cameroon. Data was collected destructively. Culm density and aboveground carbon were extrapolated; and log transformed models were regressed for best fit allometries. Age of bamboo appeared to be the best predictor of biomass, followed by height and diameter respectively. Height of culm was the best predictor of leaf biomass. The best fit allometric model was obtained when all three predictive variables (diameter, height and age) were inputted in the model. The culm density was 2296 bamboo per hectare (ha); the average aboveground biomass of bamboo was 29 kg; the total aboveground carbon of bamboo per hectare (AGCbamboo per ha) was 29.70 t C per ha and the total aboveground carbon dioxide emission of bamboo per hectare (AGCbamboo emissions per ha) was 108.7 t CO2 equivalence. The more predictive variables were added in a model, the more the model’s quality improved and thereby reducing the uncertainty. Thus, the destruction of one ha of bamboo releases enormous CO2 into the atmosphere. These findings are especially timely given the urgent need to quantify carbon stocks in the tropics and formulate good policies to fight against climate change in Cameroon.

Improving Aboveground Carbon Stock Mapping Using Lidar and Optical Remote Sensing Data in Mountain of Nepal

There is a demand for methods to accurately estimate above ground carbon stock in response to climate change mitigation action. The study aims to develop a method to accurately estimate and map above ground woody carbon stocks using airborne LIDAR data (0.8 point/m2) and optical images (0.45m resolution) acquired over the mountains in Central Nepal. Canopy Height Model (CHM) was generated using LIDAR first return and last return. RMSE of 2.8m was obtained for LIDAR derived height. Object based image analysis (OBIA) and nearest neighbor classification methods were used to retrieve individual tree crown area and tree species (Shorearobusta and others) information. Segmentation accuracy was 76.2% based on 1:1 correspondence and the overall classification accuracy was 75.86%. Multiple linear regression models which showed the lowest relative RMSE36.8% (Shorearobusta) and 32.4% (others) were used to estimate carbon stocks of the study area. The total amount of carbon stocks in the study area was approximately 89.45 MgCha-1.

Variations in organic carbon sourcing along a trans-Himalayan river determined by a Bayesian mixing approach

Rivers transfer particulate organic carbon (POC) from eroding mountains into geological sinks. Organic carbon source composition and selective mobilization have been shown to affect the type and quantity of POC export, but their combined effects across complex mountain ranges remain underexplored. Here, we examine the variation in organic carbon sourcing and transport in the trans-Himalayan Kali Gandaki River catchment, along strong gradients in precipitation, rock type and vegetation. Combining bulk stable nitrogen, and stable and radioactive organic carbon isotopic composition of bedrock, litter, soil and river sediment samples with a Bayesian end-member mixing approach, we differentiate POC sources along the river and quantify their export. Our analysis shows that POC export from the Tibetan segment of the catchment, where carbon bearing shales are partially covered by aged and modern soils, is dominated by petrogenic POC. Based on our data we re-assess the presence of aged biospheric OC in this part of the catchment, and its contribution to the river load. In the High Himalayan segment, we observed low inputs of petrogenic and biospheric POC, likely due to very low organic carbon concentrations in the metamorphic bedrock, combined with erosion dominated by deep-seated landslides. Our findings show that along the Kali Gandaki River, the sourcing of sediment and organic carbon are decoupled, due to differences in rock organic carbon content, soil and above ground carbon stocks, and geomorphic process activity. While the fast eroding High Himalayas are the principal source of river sediment, the Tibetan headwaters, where erosion rates are lower, are the principal source of organic carbon. To robustly estimate organic carbon export from the Himalayas, the mountain range should be divided into tectono-physiographic zones with distinct organic carbon yields due to differences in substrate and erosion processes and rates.

Above-ground carbon stock estimates of rubber (hevea brasiliensis) using Sentinel 2A imagery: a case study in rubber plantation of PTPN IX Kebun Getas and Kebun Ngobo, Semarang Regency

Carbon stock estimates are very important to support carbon policies at the regional level and sustainable environmental management. Rubber plantation is one of the carbon-absorbing ecosystems, due to its long life and large biomass content. The aim of this study was to estimate the above-ground carbon stock based on Sentinel 2A remotely sensed imagery, through vegetation index approaches. In the initial stage, the image was corrected radiometrically to obtain a bottom of atmosphere (BoA) reflectance values, so that all spectral indices that were run could provide reliable results. The vegetation indices used in this study were RVI (Ratio Vegetation Index), NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), ARVI (Atmospheric Resistant Vegetation Index), and SARVI (Soil and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index). The values generated from those indices were correlated with field data of carbon stock, which was derived from breast height diameter (BHD)-based biomass measurements and allometric equations. Correlation and regression analyses of carbon stock and vegetation indices were then used to interpolate the samples to the entire study area, using exponential, logarithmic, and quadratic equations. The resultant above ground carbon stock maps were then tested for accuracy assessment using field data collected independently. It was found that the ARVI-based estimation model with BoA reflectance radiometric correction, combined with exponential regression equation, showed the best accuracy values of 84.48% (supported by r2 = 0.473). Based on this model, the above-ground carbon stock estimate in Ngobo and Getas Plantation, PTPN IX were 527,072.39 tons in an area of 2,656,615 hectares, or 198.4 tons/hectares.

Evaluation of different Bamboo species in Tarai region of Himalayan Foothills: Growth, Biomass, Carbon storage and soil properties

Majority of the bamboo production in Northern India is accounted from forests where productivity is very low. Efforts are therefore required for enhancing the productivity of bamboos by undertaking organized cultivation outside the forest areas. The present study was undertaken for screening eight different bamboo species viz. Bambusa balcooa, B. bambos, B. nutans, B. tulda, B. vulgaris, Dendrocalamus asper, D. hamiltonii, D. strictus in terms of growth behaviour, biomass production, carbon storage potential and soil health. After six years of plantation, maximum clump height (10.67 m) and clump girth (5.93 m) was observed for B. nutans whereas minimum clump height and girth was observed for D. asper. Highest culm diameter was observed in B. vulgaris (6.23 cm). Total above ground biomass and carbon stock were maximum for D. hamiltonii (144.5 t ha-1 and 64.63 t ha-1 respectively) whereas minimum above ground biomass (14.34 t ha-1) and carbon stock (6.39 t ha-1) were accumulated by D. asper. D. hamiltonii was found to mitigate highest 237.2 t ha-1 CO2. Oxygen released from different species ranged from 17.1-172.6 t ha–1 during the six year of study. Soil health was significantly improved under all the bamboo species as compared to control. Among all bamboo species, D. hamiltonii was better species for its effect on soil health.

Floristic composition and carbon pools along altitudinal gradient: the case of gara–muktar forest, west hararghe zone, eastern Ethiopia

Forests play vital role in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in the atmosphere and serving as a carbon sink in the form of carbon pool systems of forest ecosystems. The species composition and carbon stock in the different carbon pools and analysis of the influence of the environmental gradients were studied by systematic sampling method collecting data in thirty-six quadrant plots of 20x20m each distributed along transect lines. Diameter at breast ≥5cm and total height measured for each tree in the main plot. Above and below ground biomass was estimated using allometric equation, while the litter carbon was estimated by taking 50% of dry biomass as carbon. Soil sample was collected using auguring method and analyzed following Walkley-Black method, while bulk density was performed using core sampling method. The data was analyzed was performed using one way ANOVA of R software. The carbon stocks in aboveground, belowground, litter biomass and soil organic carbon showed distinct variation along environmental gradients. The aboveground and below ground carbon stock was showed a decreasing trend along with increasing altitude, while soil organic carbon and liter carbon showed increasing trend along with increasing in altitude. The mean total above and below ground carbon stocks were 156.60t C ha-1 and 31.32t C ha-1 respectively whereas, litter carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were 2.72t C ha-1 and 125.86t C ha-1 (up to 30cm depth) respectively. The mean total carbon stock density in all carbon pool of Gara-Mukitar forest was found to be 316.6±67.15t C ha-1 from which 49.5% of carbon was contained in the above ground biomass, 9.9% in below ground biomass, 0.9% in litter carbon and 39.8% was stored in soil organic carbon (0-30cm depth). The analysis of carbon stock variation of different carbon pools along altitude of the forest showed a significant variation, whereas the above and belowground carbon stock variation with slope gradient was also significant except soil organic carbon and liter carbon. It result concluded that Gara-muktar Forest is a reservoir of high carbon, since it has a good capacity to sink carbon from the atmosphere having positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases and in contributing to climate change mitigation. Therefore, to enhance the carbon stock of forest in a sustainable way, it should be supported with proper community based forest management system.

Carbon stock variation along altitudinal and slope gradients in gara–muktar forest, west hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Forests play vital role in combating climate change through carbon sequestration in the atmosphere and serving as a carbon sink. The species composition and carbon stock were studied along environmental gradients using systematic sampling method. Data were collected in the 36 quadrant plots of 20 x 20m each distributed along transect lines. Diameter at breast ≥5cm and total height measured for each tree in the main plot. Above and below ground biomass was estimated using allometric equation, while the litter carbon was estimated by taking 50% of dry biomass as carbon. Soil sample was collected using auguring method and carbon was analyzed following Walkley-Black method, while bulk density analyzed using oven dried method. The data was analyzed was performed using one way ANOVA of R software. The carbon stocks in aboveground, belowground, litter biomass and soil organic carbon showed distinct variation along environmental gradients. The aboveground and below ground carbon stock was showed a decreasing trend along with increasing altitude, while soil organic carbon and liter carbon showed increasing trend along with increasing in altitude. The mean above and below ground carbon stocks were 156.60 t C ha-1 and 31.32 t C ha-1 respectively whereas, litter carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were 2.72 t C ha-1 and 125.86 t C ha-1 respectively. The total carbon stock density of Gara- Mukitar forest was found to be 316.6±67.15 t C ha-1. Similarly 49.5% of carbon was contained in the above ground biomass, 9.9% in below ground biomass, 0.9% in litter carbon and 39.8% in soil organic carbon (0-30 cm depth), respectively. The analysis of carbon stock variation of different carbon pools along altitude of the forest showed a significant variation, whereas the above and belowground carbon stock variation with slope gradient was also significant except soil organic carbon and liter carbon. In conclusion Gara-muktar forest is a reservoir of high carbon, since it has a good capacity to sink carbon from the atmosphere having positive role in reduction of greenhouse gases. Therefore, proper community based forest management options should be implemented for its continuity.

Preliminary assessment on above ground carbon stock of agroforestry and monoculture crop systems in peatlands

Peatlands can be used for crop cultivation with various combination patterns both agroforestry and monoculture systems. Utilization of these lands not only produces high economic value products, but also contributes in providing environmental services, including carbon sequestration. This study aims to measure aboveground carbon stock of agroforestry and agricultural monoculture systems in Rasau Jaya, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The agroforestry system observed is divided based on the level of peat depth, which are 0-2 m and 3-4 m. The pattern of agroforestry at a depth of 0-2 m is a combination of timber and non timber tree species and agricultural crops, while the pattern of agroforestry at a depth of 3-4 m is a combination of timber and non-timber tree species and plantation crops. Timber tree species are Pulai (Alstonia pneumatohara) and Gerunggang (Cratoxylon arborescens Bl); the non-timber tree species is jelutung (Dyera costulata); and plantation crop species are Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) and Pinang (Areca catechu); and the agricultural crops are peanuts, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, bitter melon and eggplant. Observations were also conductedon the agricultural monoculture pattern, including the eggplant, chili, bitter melon and tomato. The components of measured carbon stocks are plant biomass (trees and lower plants), wooden necromasses, non-woody necromasses, and wild plant biomass. The measurement results show a shallow peat agroforestry system (0-2 m) with a combination of one year old trees and agricultural crops contributing to carbon stock of 0.8 tons/ha. Deep peat agroforestry systems (3-4m) with a combination of timber trees, non-timber trees and plantation crops contribute to carbon stocks of 3 tons/ha. While the monoculture system of agricultural crops produce an average carbon stock of 1.1 tons/ha. Contribution of tree component in the agroforestry system are still relatively small, which is 2.6% of total carbon stock. However, it is estimated that the carbon stocks will continue to increase with increasing age.

Assessment of Woody Species Composition and Tree Species with Highest Carbon Stock Potential in Kubayo Forest, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia

Back Ground: Climate change, mainly caused by global warming, is the most pressing environmental problem of the world today and it is a phenomenon partly resulting from abundance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The problem of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide can be addressed in a number of ways. One of such actions is forestry development and forest management undertakings that can contribute to climate change mitigation. Objective: Assessment of Woody Species Composition and Tree Species With highest Carbon Stock Potential in Kubayo Forest of Bale Zone was carried out in 2018. This study was conducted in Kubayo Forest, with the objectives of identifying the composition of woody plant species and identifying tree species with highest carbon stock potential in the area. Methodology: Data were collected from the field by measuring plants with a DBH of ≥ 5 cm and the carbon stocks of each plant was analyzed. Aboveground biomass was estimated by using allometric models. A systematic sampling method was used to conduct the woody species sampling. In order to collect woody species data, a total of 63 quadrats, each with the size of 20 m x 20 m at an interval of 100 m were laid along the established transects at 200 m apart. The result was analyzed by SPSS software, version 20. Result: The findings of the study revealed that, Juniperus procera was the most dominant and Ficus sycomorus was the least dominant one. Juniperus procera store the highest average carbon 39.76 ton/ha and the lowest carbon was recorded from Dodonaea viscosa 0.30 ton/ha among 24 tree species studied. The maximum and minimum above ground carbon stock potential of Kubayo forest was 172.53 and 81.03 ton/ha respectively. The mean above ground carbon stock of the study area was 141.06 ton/ha. The maximum and minimum AG carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sequestration of the study site was 633.18 and 297.40 ton/ha respectively. The mean above ground carbon dioxide sequestration of the study area was 517.68 ton/ha. Recommendation: As a recommendation, regional and federal administrations should have to give attention on rising awareness to the local people regarding participatory forest management and sustainable use of natural resources. Keywords: Aboveground carbon stock, Woody species, Kubayo forest, DOI : 10.7176/ALST/77-05 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Large Scale Agricultural Investment and a Fragile Soil Paradox in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State: Organic Carbon Stock of Broadleaf and Deciduous Forests of Combretum_Terminalia Woodlands of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western and Northwestern Ethiopia.

The organic carbon stock analysis was carried out in Broadleaf and Deciduous Forests of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia with the objective of determining carbon stock that would be found in Broadleaf and Deciduous Forests of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State (BGRS). The assessment was conducted from 22nd September to 22nd 0ctober 2017. A total of 101 flowering plant species were sampled in 35 sample plots. Three vegetation cover types were identified: Grassland, Open Woodland and Closed woodland. Among the different habitat types in the area; namely: Closed Wood Land (CWL), Open Wood Land (OWL), Grass Land (GL) and Bare Land (BL). The maximum mean Total Carbon Stock Density (TCSD) was recorded from Closed wood land habitat with TCSD of 471 tons of carbon ha-1, followed by OWL, GL and BL with TCSD of 375.79, 118.75 and 47.92 tons of carbon ha-1 respectively. Since the area is located in lower altitude with low amount of rainfall per year and fire prone area, the mean total above ground carbon stock density of the study area which is 134.94 tons of carbon ha-1 is very low as compared to the other forest types. The anthropogenic factors (the human influence) on the woody vegetation particularly the annual burning of the vegetation does not allow a chance for the accumulation of carbon in the soil.

Organic carbon stock of broadleaf and deciduous forests of combretum_terminalia woodlands of benishangul gumuz regional state, western and northwestern Ethiopia

The organic carbon stock analysis was carried out in Broadleaf and Deciduous Forests of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia with the following objective: determine carbon stock that would be found in Broadleaf and Deciduous Forests of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State (BGRS). The assessment was conducted from 22nd September to 22nd 0ctober 2017. A total of 101 flowering plant species were sampled in 35 sample plots. Three vegetation cover types were identified: Grassland, Open Woodland and Closed woodland. Among the different habitat types in the area; namely: Closed Wood Land (CWL), Open Wood Land (OWL), Grass Land (GL) and Bare Land (BL). The maximum mean Total Carbon Stock Density (TCSD) was recorded from closed wood land habitat with TCSD of 471 tons of carbon ha-1, followed by OWL, GL and BL with TCSD of 375.79, 118.75 and 47.92tons of carbon ha-1 respectively. Since the area is located in lower altitude with low amount of rainfall per year and fire prone area, the mean total above ground carbon stock density of the study area which is 134.94 tons of carbon ha-1 is very low as compared to the other forest types. The anthropogenic factors (the human influence) on the woody vegetation particularly the annual burning of the vegetation does not allow a chance for the accumulation of carbon in the soil.

Carbon Storage of Wooden Houses, Trees, and Grazing Land in Rural Areas of Enemorina Ener District, Southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, wood was the main construction material for rural houses. In 2013, about 79% of the rural houses of Ethiopia were fully made of wood. Although carbon storage of wood is well known for climate change mitigation, there is lack of information on carbon stock of wooden houses in Ethiopia. Thus, a study was conducted to analyze the carbon stock of dominant land uses that surround rural wooden houses in three agro-ecologies and representative three peasant associations (PA) or Kebeles in Southern Ethiopia. Field measurement and household survey were made by selecting sixty-four houses made of wood, grass or corrugated iron sheet. Transects were laid starting from the wooden houses to lay out plots to collect samples of wood, grass, soot inside houses, soil and trees for carbon determination. The service age of wooden houses was estimated in triangulated interview as 5-150 years. The total carbon stock of newly constructed rural grass covered wooden house was 28.35- 49.26 kg C m-2, which was greater than the other surrounding land uses. The grazing land total carbon stock was 50.5-86.8% and the scattered trees carbon was 9.5-59.7% of the total carbon stock of the respective PA grass covered wooden house. Since soil is the common below ground carbon stock, the total carbon of a land use is mostly affected by the above ground carbon stock. Grass covered houses contained greater above ground carbon stock but grazinglands contained greater below ground carbon stock. Soot accumulation of 0.4-1.3 g m-2 inside the houses’ roof indicated the presence of indoor pollution. The total carbon stock increased with increasing altitude and geoclimatic variables were significantly correlated with carbon stock of the land uses (p<0.05; r = ±0.999). Therefore, wooden houses need to be considered in climate change mitigations. The shift of carbon stock from natural environment to wooden houses in human dominated landscapes was indicator of a lack of forests, and then efforts should be strengthened to increase forest cover.

Carbon sequestration potential of natural vegetation under grazing influence in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia: implication for climate change mitigation

The management influence on carbon sequestration potential of different land use types are least known at the national level. This research was conducted to assess the impact of area exclusion on carbon sequestration potential in the two land use systems: protected natural vegetation (PNV) and communal grazing land (CGL). Data of vegetation, litter, and soils were collected using systematic sampling methods, laying 19 transects and 62 quadrats each with 20 m × 20 m for trees, 5 m × 5 m sub-quadrats for shrubs, and 1 m × 1m sub-quadrats for herbs/grasses, litter biomass, and soil sample. Aboveground biomass carbon (AGC), belowground biomass carbon (BGC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total carbon stock (TC) were estimated using allometric equations. The mean difference level of carbon stocks (P < 0.05) of the two land use systems was tested through unequal variance t-test using R-software. The mean above ground and below ground carbon stock of PNV, 21.05 ton/ha, 10.39 ton/ha, was higher than CGL, 15.31 ton/ha, 7.65 ton/ha, respectively. The average values of SOC was 16.60 ton/ha from PNV and 13.76 ton/ha from CGL. The mean value of SOC was higher at the PNV than CGL and significantly different (P < 0.05). The total carbon stock estimate of PNV and CGL were 50.74 ton/ha and 37.11 ton/ha, respectively, which is significantly different (P < 0.05). We concluded that, establishment of PNV as the best practice of restoration programs through exclusion of livestock from free grazing and human interference provides cost effective mechanism that yields a high carbon sequestration potential with multiple benefits for biodiversity conservation, livelihood support, and climate change mitigation.

Greenness trends and carbon stocks of mangroves across Mexico

Mangroves cover less than 0.1% of Earth’s surface, store large amounts of carbon per unit area, but are threatened by global environmental change. The capacity of mangroves productivity could be characterized by their canopy greenness, but this property has not been systematically tested across gradients of mangrove forests and national scales. Here, we analyzed time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mean air temperature and total precipitation between 2001 and 2015 (14 years) to quantify greenness and climate variability trends for mangroves not directly influenced by land use/land cover change across Mexico. Between 2001 and 2015 persistent mangrove forests covered 432 800 ha, representing 57% of the total current mangrove area for Mexico. We found a temporal greenness increase between 0.003[0.001–0.004] and 0.004[0.002–0.005] yr−1 (NDVI values ± 95%CI) for mangroves located over the Gulf of California and the Pacific Coast, with many mangrove areas dominated by Avicennia germinans. Mangroves developed along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea did not show significant greenness trends, but site-specific areas showed significant negative greenness trends. Mangroves with surface water input have above ground carbon stocks (AGC) between 37.7 and 221.9 Mg C ha−1 and soil organic carbon density at 30 cm depth (SOCD) between 92.4 and 127.3 Mg C ha−1. Mangroves with groundwater water input have AGC of 12.7 Mg C ha−1 and SOCD of 219 Mg C ha−1. Greenness and climate variability trends could not explain the spatial variability in carbon stocks for most mangrove forests across Mexico. Site-specific characteristics, including mangrove species dominance could have a major influence on greenness trends. Our findings provide a baseline for national-level monitoring programs, carbon accounting models, and insights for greenness trends that could be tested around the world.

Biomass and soil carbon stocks in different forest types, Northwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Attempts to mitigate global climate change have brought forestry into focus. Forests absorb carbondioxide from the atmosphere, alleviate global warming and contribute for rural livelihoods. To realize these benefits, there is a need to conserve the existing forests and establish new forests by using different restoration techniques. Information is scarce in Ethiopia on the carbon stock efficiency of the different forest types. Therefore, this study focused on comparing biomass and soil carbon stock potential of a natural forest, exclosure and Eucalyptus plantation. Primary and secondary data were collected and analysed using allometric equations. The results of this study stated that the total mean carbon stock for exclosure was 131.6 ± 45.5 t ha−1, for plantation 160.1 ± 35.8 t ha−1 and for natural forest 195.3 ± 58.3 t ha−1. The carbon stocks in each pool exhibited distinct patterns between the forest types. The above ground, below ground and soil organic carbon stock, increased in the natural forests and plantation, while the litter carbon stock showed decreasing towards the exclosure. Generally, the total natural forests store high amount of carbon and can play an important role in climate change mitigation. The carbon pool variation between different forest types was significant at (P < .05); however, there was no significance difference between forest types by aboveground and belowground biomass. From the main findings of this study, it is possible to conclude that climate change mitigation measures should consider expanding exclosure with the same priority as conserving natural forest and increasing plantation forests.

Carbon Sequestration in the Trees of Community Forest:

Carbon sequestration is one of the main ecosystem services in today’s condition. Estimation of above ground tree biomass and carbon stock is important as it gives ecological and economic benefits to the local people. This study was conducted in the Hasantar Community Forest (HCF) of Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu. Concentric circular plots of 12.62m radius were established in five different blocks of HCF for the study of tree species. The main objective of this study was to find out the Important Value Index (IVI), Above Ground Tree Biomass (AGTB) and carbon stocks tree species of HCF. This forest comprises the tree species of families like fagacaeae, moraceae, myrtaceae, fabaceae etc in dominant numbers. Schima wallichii was found ecologically most significant tree species as it possess highest IVI value. The carbon stock of this plant was found as 206.865 t/ha which comprises 27 % of total carbon in HCF. The total above ground tree carbon stock of HCF (55.4 ha.) was found 144.795 t/ha.&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(1): 124-129

Post fire litters are richer in water soluble carbon and lead to increased microbial activity

Under conditions of increased fire season length and area affected by fire, stocks of carbon stored in forests are at increased risk of burning. While much research has investigated the immediate loss of above ground and below ground carbon stocks through combustion during a fire, there has been little research on subsequent organic matter cycling in post-fire environments. Fire can introduce new organic matter to the litter layer through the formation of a post-fire litter layer composed of debris from fire induced plant stress or death. This litter may have different chemistry and decomposition dynamics to the pre-fire litter due to the changed pathway from plant to ground and the narrow age range of the debris. In this study, litters collected from two vegetation types (Pinus and Eucalyptus dominated) and from adjacent areas either fire affected (FA) or not fire affected (NFA) were incubated as litter, or as water extracts of litter, in soils to determine fire induced changes in nutrient pools, microbial biomass and microbial activity. Post-fire litters contained more labile C (15 and 30 mg C g native/pine litter−1, respectively) than litters unaffected by fire (4 mg C g litter−1). Increased labile C concentration correlated (r2 > 0.95) with increased microbial activity without a concurrent change in nitrogen (microbial) or phosphorus (resin and microbial) pools. Our results suggest that labile C in post-fire litter can alter microbial carbon cycling and that effects may be more pronounced under pine compared to native forest.