Mean Carbon Stock Research Articles

Evaluating Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems: A Case Study from the Man Region, Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: Cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Man region of Côte d'Ivoire are essential for balancing agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. This study assessed these systems regarding plant biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Study Design and Methodology: The research was carried out in 21 cocoa plantations, aged between 14 and 32 years, across 60 botanical inventory plots, each measuring 10 by 20 meters. Tree heights and diameters were recorded to estimate Above Ground Biomass (AGB) using the equation AGB = 0.0673 × (ρD²H)0.976, where D is diameter, H is height, and ρ is specific density. Below Ground Biomass (BGB) was calculated as BGB=AGB×0.24, while total biomass (BT) was obtained as BT=AGB+BGB. Carbon stock (C) was derived using C=BT×0.5. Statistical analysis was applied to compare mean carbon stocks across different plantation ages. Results: The plantations, ranging from 8 to 32 years old, showed a diversity of companion species. The diversity of companion species in cocoa agrosystems varies from 4 in 8–10-year-old plantations to 12 in 14- and 15-year-old plantations. Carbon sequestration was age-dependent: younger plantations (5-10 years) sequestered 19.77 ± 2.32 tonnes per hectare, plantations aged 10-15 years stored 133.70 ± 253.50 tonnes, while middle-aged plots (15-20 years) reached 398.76 ± 861.51 tonnes. The oldest plantations (30-35 years) sequestered 137.94 ± 280.31 tonnes. Effective plantation management increased both carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of species diversity and continuous management in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Optimized agroecological practices enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, providing practical insights for stakeholders involved in agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Cocoa agroforestry aligns economic and environmental objectives, offering a sustainable agricultural model.

Carbon Stock Potential of Coconut Plantations in University Campus: A Case Study from Coimbatore, India

The urgent need to mitigate climate change has prompted researchers to explore various avenues for carbon sequestration. One such avenue is the utilization of natural ecosystems like forests and plantations. Coconut plantations in university campuses play a vital role in carbon sequestration in mitigation of climate change. In this case study, we report the potential of coconut plantation from Bharathiar University campus, India. Four plots of 50 m × 50 m were randomly sampled from the coconut plantation in Bharathiar University campus. Carbon stock of the coconut plantation was calculated based on field survey and allometric equations. A total of 171 trees were recorded from the four plots totalling one hectare (ha) area. The total carbon stock determined for the one ha of coconut plantation sampled from Bharathiar University campus was 31.69 tonne/ha and the mean carbon stock per tree was 0.19 ± 0.06 tonne/tree. We have discussed the carbon stock of coconut tree allocation by above-ground and below-ground parts. This case study highlights the importance of coconut plantations in university campuses in support of curbing the atmospheric carbon concentration. We suggest for plantation of coconut trees in university campuses, that can serve not only as carbon sinks but also contribute to fulfilling the sustainable development goals of the nation.

New Zealand's planted forests–Carbon stocks and yield in fast growing exotic tree plantations of the Southern Hemisphere

Every year New Zealand measures 1/5th of the permanent sample plots of the National Planted Forest Inventory administered by the Ministry for the Environment (MFE). This means that all plots are measured once during a five-year cycle to provide the full inventory, while each measurement year in its own right provides a random nationally-representative sample of New Zealand's plantation forests.Land-use change and planted forest area are highly dynamic in New Zealand compared to forests in many northern hemisphere countries and every year new plots are added to the inventory due to new afforestation areas. Over time, old plot data representing stands that have been recently harvested will be replaced with measurements of the new forests growing on these sites or will drop out altogether due to improvements in mapping or deforestation. This means that estimates from a single year's plot measurements can give different results from the previous year due to the changes that the plantation forest estate experiences from year to year.In this paper we analyse results for the latest measurement cycle (Panels 2016 - 2020) and identify any issues or trends in carbon stocks. We use all panel data plus data from previous periodic forest inventories to generate a fully representative yield table for all plantation forests in the sub-categories of Kyoto Protocol-compliant afforestation and other planted forests (“non-Kyoto”). Furthermore, we use an imputation approach to provide a statistically accurate representation of stock changes over time. The yield tables generated are used in MFE's Land Use Carbon Analysis System (LUCAS) to generate estimates of carbon stocks and stock changes for international reporting.The estimated mean carbon sequestration rate over the typical rotation for New Zealand's dominant plantation species is higher than the default range provided by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Predicted carbon sequestration in non-Kyoto planted forests (10.5 tC ha−1 yr−1) exceeds the estimated carbon sequestration in Kyoto-compliant planted forests (9.8 tC ha−1 yr−1) with both at the upper range of estimates for temperate plantation forests (IPCC). Current mean carbon stocks are significantly larger in Kyoto-compliant plantation forests (169 tC ha−1) than in non-Kyoto planted forests (108 tC ha−1) across New Zealand, largely because they are on average five years older. Estimated Mean annual increment, m3 ha−1 yr−1 expressed as a comparable index (“300Index”) indicates that Kyoto-compliant forest land has slightly higher productivity than non-Kyoto planted forests, but because the latter are composed of younger stands, greater carbon sequestration rates but lower current stocks are estimated. Plots with slower growing tree species such as Douglas-fir, cypresses and coastal redwood are now an increasing part of the Kyoto-compliant estate, reducing the overall sequestration rates for this forest type.

Woody Species Composition, Structure, Regeneration Status and Carbon Storage of Mkulazi Forest Reserve in Tanzania

Little is known about the status of forest condition and carbon storage potential of Mkulazi forest reserve (MFR) located in Morogoro District, Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess i) woody species composition, richness and diversity, ii) stand structure, iii) regeneration status and iv) carbon storage. Data collection for vegetation involved establishment of 100 concentric circular sample plots in the forest area of 65,710 ha. A total of 54 plant species for trees and shrubs with DBH ≥ 5 cm that belongs to 20 plant families were identified. The diversity of woody species was high (H’ = 3.11), while Stem density was 336 ± 126 stems ha-1, basal area was 9.48 ± 2.88 m2ha-1 and stand volume was 96.22 ± 32.51 m3ha-1. For the regeneration with DBH < 5 cm, a total of 26 plant species belonging to 11 plant families were identified. The diversity of woody species was also high (H’ = 3.14) and stem density was 1,198 ± 847 stems ha-1. The mean carbon stocks above ground for trees and shrubs with DBH ≥ 5 cm were 32.13 ± 10.91 Mg C ha-1 and that of below ground were 11.84 ± 3.58 Mg C ha-1. The observed high diversity of woody species, regeneration status and relatively high carbon storage potential signifies the importance of continuing protecting this reserve.

Soil management affects soil C and N stocks but not overall soil health

Soil health describes a soil’s capacity to function as a vital ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. It can be assessed by measuring specific soil physical, chemical, and biological parameters combined into a soil health index (SHI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of management, depth, and their interaction on soil health indicators. We evaluated long-term continuous tillage, horticultural crop rotation, which had an antecedent tropical pumpkin/bean rotation, and a no-till avocado orchard in a Cumulic Haplustolls at the Juana Díaz Agricultural Experiment Substation. Soil samples were taken at 0 to 15, 15 to 30, 30 to 50, 50 to 75, and 75 to 100 cm intervals using a hydraulic probe. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, dry stable aggregates, mean weight diameter, tensile strength, carbon and nitrogen stocks, and water content were quantified. The data were analyzed in a multivariate ANOVA. Results were classified considering threshold values, and an SHI score was determined based on the simple additive method. Our findings show that the no-till avocado orchard had better soil physicochemical qualities, including higher C and N stocks, but this did not lead to an improved SHI score when compared with the continuous tillage crop rotation plot. Soil depth, management, and their interaction were significant effects in both management systems with a score of 0.55 on the SHI scale. These results imply that, although overall soil health is not affected, increased C concentration, no-till, and perennials have a favorable effect on SHI indicators in horticultural systems in the San Antón series.

The impact of land cover change on the carbon stock of moist afromontane forests in the Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve

BackgorundForest plays an important role in the global carbon cycle by sequestering carbon dioxide and thereby mitigating climate change. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the effects of land use/land cover (LULC) change (1989–2017) on carbon stock and its economic values in tropical moist Afromontane forests of the Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve (MFBR), south-west Ethiopia. Systematic sampling was conducted to collect biomass and soil data from 140 plots in MFBR. The soil data were collected from grassland and farmland. InVEST modelling was employed to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of carbon stocks. Global Voluntary Market Price (GVMP) and Tropical Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) analysis was performed to estimate economic values (EV) of carbon stock dynamics. Correlation and regression analyses were also employed to identify the relationship between environmental and anthropogenic impacts on carbon stocks.ResultsThe results indicated that the above-ground carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were higher than the other remaining carbon pools in MFBR. The mean carbon stock (32.59 M tonne) in 2017 was lower than in 1989 (34.76 Mt) of MFBR. Similarly, the EV of carbon stock in 2017 was lower than in 1989. Elevation, slope, and harvesting index are important environmental and disturbance factors resulting in major differences in carbon stock among study sites in MFBR.ConclusionsTherefore, the gradual reduction of carbon stocks in connection with LULC change calls for urgent attention to implement successful conservation and sustainable use of forest resources in biosphere reserves.

Carbon stocks of Geramo forest, the western escarpment of the rift valley of Ethiopia

Forests play a vital role in the global carbon balance and combating global climate change by sequestering and retaining carbon from the atmosphere in their biomass and soil. Thus, this study aims to estimate the carbon stocks in the biomass and soil along with various environmental factors in the Geramo forest in southern Ethiopia. Ninety-six plots (20 × 20 m2) were laid at a distance of 250 m along 16 line transects that were laid 300 m apart. Five 1 × 1 m2 subplots (4 at the corner and 1 at the center) were laid inside each main plot for LHG and soil data collection. The results revealed that the estimated total carbon stocks and mean carbon stock densities of the study forest were 57994 Mg h−1and 604 ± 344 Mg h−1, respectively, with a mean CO2 equivalent of 2217 ± 1262 Mg h−1. This result indicates the remarkable role of the Geramo forest in carbon stock and sequestration potential compared with other remnant forests in Ethiopia. Thus, the Geramo forest plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, and hence, this forest can generate carbon credits as financial benefits to the nearby population in the future. The results also revealed that anthropogenic disturbances were negatively associated with the carbon stocks of the forest. Therefore, sustainable forest conservation activities are needed to conserve forest resources, protect the forest from growing anthropogenic disturbances, and sustain its current global climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits.

Allometric equations and carbon stocks assessment for Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. in the bimodal rainfall forest of Cameroon

Over the last two decades, bamboo has received increasing attention owing to its socio-economic and environmental importance. Environmentally, bamboo plays an important role in carbon sequestration, thus enhancing climate change mitigation. In Cameroon, knowledge about the importance of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. to climate change mitigation is deficient, despite the fact that it is the most abundant bamboo species in Cameroon's Bimodal rainforest agroecological zone (Agroecological zone 5 - AEZ5). This study was initiated to develop allometric equations and estimate carbon stocks of B. vulgaris in Cameroon's AEZ5. The destructive, clump-based method was used for bamboo biomass data collection on 40 clumps and 86 culms. Regression analyses were performed to obtain allometric models for B. vulgaris biomass prediction which were used for B. vulgaris carbon stocks estimation in AEZ5. The best allometric model for culms was obtained when all predictive variables including age, diameter and height were considered into the model. For clump, the best model was obtained when the number of culms per clump, girth and average diameter were considered in the model. Model quality adjustment was better for clump aboveground biomass (AGB) compared to those of culm AGB. The model of B. vulgaris of the evergreen rainfall forest was validated with a bias of 45.5 %. Bamboo aboveground biomass proportions were 77 %, 15 % and 8 %, respectively for culms, branches and leaves. The mean density and carbon stocks of B. vulgaris were estimated at 2,0679 culms.ha−1, 257 clumps.ha−1, and 61.65 tC ha−1. B. vulgaris has a veritable carbon sequestration capacity which policymakers should consider in climate change mitigation strategies like those linked to payments for ecosystem services, voluntary carbon stocks market, Bonn Challenge, AFR100 initiative, and the Paris agreement ratified by the government of Cameroon.

Carbon sequestration potential of process‐based river restoration

AbstractFloodplain restoration can enhance the capacity for carbon sequestration by facilitating higher water tables, deposition of fine sediment, and increased input and residence time of organic matter. We measured floodplain soil organic carbon stocks in nine stream restoration projects across the western United States and compared them to nearby degraded and reference condition floodplains. Degraded floodplains had the lowest soil mean carbon stocks in the majority of floodplains measured (range 161–894 Mg C/ha), and reference stocks had the highest stocks (range 391–904 Mg C/ha) of those with statistically significant differences between the three categories. Across all sites measured, stream restoration sites, referred to as treatment sites, had stocks (range 203–1028 Mg C/ha) similar to degraded condition floodplains but the largest range. When modeled under degraded conditions, four out of nine of the treatment sites had significantly higher OC stocks than predicted. Climate and geologic variables are most influential in predicting carbon stocks, and floodplains in the interior western USA have the highest carbon stocks. As the demand for carbon sequestration increases due to climate change, ecologically responsible floodplain restoration provides a significant opportunity for carbon storage. However, despite the statistically significant relationships we observed in this dataset, the variations within the data in relation to degraded/treatment/reference categories illustrate the uncertainties in quantifying the effects of restoration on floodplain carbon stocks.

Biodiversity and biomass relationships in a cerrado stricto sensu in Southeastern Brazil.

Deforestation accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. In Brazil, deforestation represents ~ 70% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. Among the main deforested vegetation, Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) occupies a prominent position as it is the second biggest biome in Brazil. Despite its importance, there are still few estimates of above and belowground biomass of Cerrado vegetation encompassing its structural and spatial complexity. Also, Cerrado holds a specific biodiversity that is normally undervalued and which is being lost in the fires of agricultural fronts. In this context, this study aimed to verify the relationship of the existing flora biodiversity in a cerrado stricto sensu with its aboveground biomass and carbon stocks. The possibility of a relationship between fine root mass and soil organic carbon content was also verified. The study area presented a total of 67 species and 798 trees (average: 1596 trees ha-1). The mean total aboveground biomass and carbon stocks were 77.08Mgha-1 and 38.54Mgha-1 respectively. Soil organic carbon stock (0-30cm) was 8.51Mgha-1 whereas fine roots were 1.637Mgha-1. Total aboveground biomass presented a highly significant asymptotic relationship with biodiversity demonstrating its importance in reaching high biomass accumulation. A significant relationship between soil organic carbon content and fine root biomass was found making easier belowground biomass estimates.

Vegetation composition, diversity, stand structure and carbon stock of a dry evergreen montane forest of Lendikinya forest reserve in Tanzania

Abstract. Mwaluseke ML, Mwakalukwa EE, Maliondo SMS. 2023. Vegetation composition, diversity, stand structure and carbon stock of a dry evergreen montane forest of Lendikinya forest reserve in Tanzania. Biodiversitas 24: 551-562. There is limited information on woody plant diversity and vegetation patterns in African dry forests, particularly in East Africa, and hence increasing the interests in understanding species composition, diversity, and structural attributes of catchment forest reserves found in Tanzania. Moreover, tree species composition, species richness, and carbon stock are not well documented in most montane forests in the region, apart from Ethiopia. Their potential in terms of carbon storage is also important for understanding their productivity and the extent to which they can be used in mitigating the effects of climate change. This study assessed vegetation composition and diversity, stand structure and potential carbon stocks of Lendikinya Forest Reserve, a dry evergreen montane forest located in Monduli District in Tanzania. A total of 56 concentric circular plots with subplots of 2 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m and 20 m radii were used to collect woody species data on standing trees and stumps across the entire forest of 3,689 ha. A total of 79 species belonging to 36 families were identified. Drypetes natalensis (9.2%), Diospyros abyssinica (7.1%) and Dombeya rotundifolia (6.5%) were the most important species as per the Importance Value Index (IVI). The diversity indices have indicated the forest reserve to have a high diversity of woody species. Stand structure comprises 1,398 ± 679 stems ha-1, basal area of 11.42 ± 5.41 m2ha-1and standing volume of 54.47 ± 24.1 m3ha-1 while the mean carbon stocks were 16.04 ± 7.7 t C ha-1. The alarming disturbances stress the urgent need for increased conservation efforts in order to protect the existing biodiversity and increase carbon storage and enhance water conservation in the reserve.

Tree carbon stock in middle mountain forest types: A case study from Chandragiri hills, Kathmandu, Nepal

The forest carbon stock usually depends on the forest types, forest density, age of forest, size of trees, site quality, wood density, annual precipitation, and species composition. This research aims to analyze the relationship among tree carbon stock, species richness, soil chemical properties such as soil organic carbon, and soil pH in the Forests of Chandragiri Hills, Kathmandu, Central Nepal. Along this forest, five square plots (20 × 20 m2 ) each were established along the two transects at a maximum interval of 100 m. Carbon stock of each tree was estimated by using allometric equation based on measured tree height and DBH. The mean tree carbon stock was found to be highest in Mixed Forest (87.13 t/ha) followed by Oak Forest (52.75 t/ha), and Pine Forest (22.5 t/ha). The tree carbon stock showed significant negative correlation with tree species richness (r = -0.56, p = 0.001). The tree carbon stock showed significant positive correlation with soil organic carbon (r = 0.57, p = 0.001) and soil pH (r = 0.37, p = 0.05). Tree carbon was found positively highly significant correlation with altitude, Soil organic carbon, pH, and Shannon diversity index.

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Forest Carbon Stocks—A Case Study from Gori Valley, Western Himalaya

Carbon stock assessment in various ecosystems is vital for monitoring the health of these ecosystems and national accounting for the United Nations convention on climate change. The influence of various anthropogenic drivers on carbon stock in different ecosystems has not been examined comprehensively. This study aims to determine the impact of anthropogenic pressures (lopping, cutting, grazing) on soil physico-chemical properties and carbon stock in four temperate broadleaf forests dominated by different species of oak, viz., Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Rianj oak (Quercus lanuginosa), Moru oak (Quercus floribunda) and Kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) along an elevation gradient from 1700–3000 m asl in Gori valley, western Himalaya. Biomass data were collected from 120 quadrats of 10 × 10 m size at three distinct altitudes (4 forest sites × 3 altitudes × 10 quadrats) and analysed for carbon stock, whereas soil samples were randomly collected in triplicate from three depths of each altitude of the forest site and further analysed for their physico-chemical properties. A total of 767 individual trees with a diameter of ≥31 cm were measured at twelve sites and standing biomass was estimated following the growing stock volume equations. Mean carbon stock was highest in Moru oak (396.6 ± 29.5 Mg C ha−1) and lowest in Banj oak forest (189.3 ± 48.6 Mg C ha−1). We also found soil to be the largest pool of forest carbon (43.0–59.7%) followed by aboveground biomass (31.5–45.0%), belowground biomass (8.4–11.7%) and litter (0.4–0.5%). The basal area showed significant effect on altitude and carbon stock, whereas disturbance showed significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with the total carbon stock. Soil nitrogen exhibited a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.60) with the basal area, indicating that nitrogen enhances tree growth and forest carbon stock. However, anthropogenic disturbance showed a significant negative impact on the basal area, soil nutrients and carbon stock of oak forests. This concludes that forest structure, anthropogenic pressure and soil parameters contribute to the carbon stock of the area. Considering the significance of these overexploited oak forests, it is recommended to conserve the old-growth forest species in the study area, since they have the highest carbon accumulation potential.

Tree biomass, carbon stock characteristics and ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) diversity in the Uzungwa Scarp Forest Nature Reserve, Tanzania.

Reducing carbon emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) has drawn attention and remain one of the main options for climate change mitigation. However, the extent to which conservation for carbon may enhance biodiversity conservation in both disturbed and relatively undisturbed (control) environment remain unclear in most forest types. The extent to which anthropogenic disturbances affect carbon stock and ground beetle diversity is also far from clear. This paper addressed these knowledge gaps using data based on ground beetles, carbon stock in live trees and tree species sampled in Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve (USNFR). All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were measured for height and DBH in twelve clusters of 1 ha in size. In the same clusters, ground beetles were sampled using pitfall traps, active night search and active day search. The species diversity of ground beetles differed significantly between control sites and disturbed sites (p < 0.05). The mean total biomass and carbon stock in live trees were high in disturbed sites (323.72 t/ha) when compared to control sites (289.72 t/ha) but the difference was not statistically significant (U = 14, p > 0.05). Carbon in live trees and ground beetle diversity showed a weak positive correlation, while richness and abundance showed weak negative in control sites. Results show that REDD+ related activities in a tropical forest may enhance ground beetle diversity and carbon stock if ground beetles conservation is explicitly taken into account. Thus forest conservation planning that pursues both carbon storage and ground-dwelling invertebrate diversity is recommended.

Effect of Forest Management on Carbon Stock of Tropical Moist Afromontane Forest

Moist tropical forests have a significant role in provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. However, these forests are under threat of deforestation and forest degradation. In Ethiopia, the moist evergreen Afromontane forests have the potential for carbon storage and support a high diversity of plant species. However, it is under severe threat of deforestation and degradation.This investigation was conducted to obtain adequate information on the carbon stock potential of the moist Afromontane forest of southwestern Ethiopia. A comparison of carbon stock was conducted between disturbed and undisturbed forests. A systematic sampling design was applied for recording woody species and soil data. A total of 100 main plots of 400 m2 were laid to record trees and shrubs with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm. The soil data were collected from 1 m2 subplots established at the four corners and the center of each main plot. The DBH and height were measured to calculate the aboveground carbon of trees and shrubs with DBH ≥ 5 cm. A total of 68 tree and shrub species belonging to 59 genera and 33 families were recorded. The mean carbon stock density was 203.80 ± 12.38 t·ha–1 (aboveground carbon stock) and 40.76 ± 2.47 t·ha–1 (belowground carbon stock). The highest proportion of aboveground carbon (t·ha–1) (42.34%) was contributed by a few tree individuals with DBH &gt; 70 cm. The soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) (t·ha–1) for the depth of 0–30 cm is ranging from 58.97 to 198.33 across plots; the mean is 117.16 ± 3.15. The carbon stored in the moist Afromontane forest indicates its huge potential for climate change mitigation. Therefore, for the enhancement of forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration effective conservation measure and sound management approach is essential.

Contributions of urban green spaces for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation in Dessie city, Northeastern Ethiopia

Scientific studies about the role of urban green spaces (UGSs) in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation are limited in developing countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the role of UGSs in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Using a systematic sampling method a total of 137 sample plots of various sizes were laid per cluster. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was undertaken among clusters using the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% level of significance. A total of 127 woody species belonging to 58 families and 99 genera were recorded. Of the total species, 7 (5.51%), 34 species (26.77%), and 86 (67.72%) were endemic, exotic, and indigenous to Ethiopia, respectively. The presence of threatened or endangered trees in Ethiopia, such as Hagenia abyssinica and Juniperus procera in the UGSs of Dessie, indicates that UGSs could be another potential site for biodiversity conservation. The overall mean carbon stock (ton ha−1) and its total CO2 equivalent of UGSs of Dessie are 745.17 ± 170.86 and 2734.79 ± 627.06, respectively. This indicated a significant potential of UGSs to mitigate a changing climate. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was revealed for the carbon stock and diversity. The highest mean biomass carbon was recorded in the urban forests (1448.14 ± 736.32 tons C ha−1) and the lowest in urban Homegarden (61.28 ± 0.231 ton C ha−1). Correlation analysis revealed a weak positive relationship (r = 0.26) between biomass carbon stock and Shannon's index. It is concluded that UGSs have an important role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Therefore, urban plans should consider the roles of urban green space at every stage of planning.

Carbon stocks across different environments, disturbance regimes, and stand age in Fitzroya cupressoides forests, the longest-lived species of the southern hemisphere

Forest disturbances influence Fitzroya cupressoides forest structure and carbon stocks at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Natural disturbances such as landslides and volcanism affect and give rise to the mostly pristine Fitzroya stands present in the Andean cordillera. On the other hand, mostly human-caused fires and logging have been the main processes shaping the structure of Fitzroya stands in the Coastal range and of Fitzroya small remnants in the Central depression. The main goal of this study was to assess the carbon stocks and accumulation rates of Fitzroya forest stands according to their development stage under different disturbance regimes and environmental conditions given by the three physiographic units where the species grows (Coastal range, Central depression, and Andean range). The site selection included an age sequence of stands, known as a chronosequence approach. We identified Fitzroya post-disturbance stands in three different stages of development: young forest stage (mean stand age of the main cohort ≤ 200 years old), mature forest stage (200–800 years old), and old growth forest stage (800–1,500 years old). The following biomass components were considered: living standing trees, dead standing trees (snags), and logs from dead trees laying on the ground (coarse woody debris). Old-growth Fitzroya forests reached a mean total carbon stock (standing live trees, snags, and coarse woody debris) of 507, 279, and 331 Mg C ha−1 in the Andean and Coastal ranges, and Central depression, respectively. Fitzroya cupressoides contributes, in average, more than 80% to the total carbon stock in the Andean and Coastal ranges, and 63% in the Central depression. The remainder corresponds mainly to Nothofagus spp. The high carbon stocks in old-growth stands in the Andean range are explained by Fitzroya longevity, larger size, wood decay resistance, and the low recurrence of volcanic events. Carbon accumulation rates differ between the forests in the three physiographic units (Central depression&amp;gt;Andean range&amp;gt;Coastal range), mainly due to the different growth rates and environmental conditions present in each unit. In the context of climate change, conserving old-growth stands with large biomass and carbon stocks and restoring Fitzroya forests should be recognized as a key contribution toward national and global goals to mitigate global warming.

Carbon Stock Estimation of Selected Subtropical Broad-Leaved Evergreen Scrub Forest

This research estimates the carbon stock of the subtropical broad-leaved evergreen scrub forest of Lehtrar, a revenue estate of Kotli Sattian, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of six nested co-centric plots of 17.84 m2 each were laid out in the forest, having two sub-plots of 5.64 m2 and 1 m2 each, for shrubs and litter, respectively. Stem density, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree biomass, and total carbon stock were calculated. In each plot, parameters like latitude, longitude, aspect, slope, elevation, tree count, etc., were catalogued. The carbon value was calculated in pools such as aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), litter, shrubs, etc. The tree height was measured using Abney’s level and the diameter at breast height (DBH) with diameter tape, while factors such as volume, shrub mass, litter mass, total tree biomass, and total carbon stock were calculated by using standard formulas. Results showed Olea ferrugineae to be the most abundant tree species in the study area, followed by Acacia modesta. The total average DBH and height were calculated as 17.03 and 16.79, respectively, with the species Dalbergia sissoo having the greatest DBH value. The mean carbon stock came out to be 47.75 tons/ha, with plot number 3 having the highest value of carbon stock, owing to the greatest stem count. The results of the study were significant and reflected a rich stem density, rich biomass, and an adequate carbon stocking capacity. The scrub forests of the study area, being important carbon sinks, are prone to deforestation and forest degradation activities that need to be controlled by using proper forest management practices to keep their carbon sequestration ability intact, as suggested under various reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD initiatives of UNFCCC.

Estimation of biomass and carbon sequestration capacity of the Surra mountain plantation forest in Gamo Highlands, Southern Ethiopia

AbstractThis study was aimed at estimating the carbon sequestration potential of the Surra planted forest on Gughe massive of the Gamo highlands in Southern Ethiopia based on tree species type. The plantation was established on degrading pasture land in the mid‐1980s during the golden era of plantation forest expansion history in Ethiopia. The Surra plantation forest was stratified upon three tree species namely E. globulus, C. lusitanica, and P. radiata. The data were collected from 32 sample plots (20 E. globulus, 10 C.lusitanica, and 2 P. radiata plots, each having 10 m*10 m in size), and were laid at random at the inner part of the plantation. The Species‐specific allometric equations and the pan‐tropical allometric model were used to estimate the aboveground biomass and carbon stock of the forest. The average “tree height,” “diameter at breast height,” and “tree stand density” per hectare were the highest for C. lusitanica and the lowest for E. globulus (except the wood density). The wood‐specific density/g/cm3 was the largest for E. globulus. The average carbon sequestered in C. lusitanica (53.9 ton/ha) was significantly larger than E. globulus (35.6 ton/ha) and P. radiata (43.8 ton/ha). The estimated average carbon stock/ha of eucalyptus was the lowest due to its low stand density caused by illegal encroachment for construction, energy, and cash income purposes. The total dry biomass and carbon sequestrated are determined by area proportion; hence, eucalyptus covered an extensive area accounting for slightly less than two‐thirds of the total Surra plantation forest followed by Cupressus. The mean carbon stock (40.3 ton/ha) of the Surra plantation is lower compared with many plantation forest stock values under better management. The findings revealed that the significant variation in carbon stock with other forests despite the similarities in age, climate, location, and aspect was the result of encroachment, illegal cutting, frequent grazing, and limited protection, and call for policy attention from the Ethiopian government.

Stand structure and carbon storage of a young mangrove plantation forest in coastal area of Bangladesh: The promise of a natural solution

Globally, with the growing importance of mangroves for providing ecosystem services and mitigating climate change, it is still uncertain whether planted mangroves can be the counterpart of natural mangroves, and thus the role of planted mangroves is still less understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the stand structure and carbon storage of a young mangrove plantation in Satkhira District, Bangladesh and to compare it with the natural mangrove forest (i.e., Sundarbans) to understand the potential of this young mangrove plantation as a nature-based solution to climate change. In addition, to better understand the spatial dynamics of afforested mangrove forests, we investigated and compared both above and below-ground carbon stocks between the landward and riverward sites. We collected both above (height and diameter at breast height, DBH) and belowground (i.e., coarse and fine root) data from 16 plots with a total area of 1600 m2 in two paired transects, eight plots each in landward and riverward sites. Aboveground carbon stocks were estimated using the species-specific allometric models from the biophysical tree parameters (i.e., height and DBH). Besides, belowground root (≥ 20 mm) carbon was measured by direct weighting after collecting soil samples through coring. Stand structural attributes (i.e., density, basal area, and DBH) showed a significant difference between the two sites, whereas Sonneratia apetala was found as the dominant species (IV = 188.7∼207.1) in both forest sites. The mean carbon stock of this plantation was 49.1 Mg C ha−1, while the mean aboveground carbon (AGC) was 37.3 Mg C ha−1. The landward site contributed significantly more AGC (40.1 Mg C ha−1) than the riverward (34.4 Mg C ha−1) site (p<0.05). Besides, the mean belowground roots carbon (BGRC) of this plantation was 11.8 ± 1.4 Mg C ha−1, where the riverward site contributed significantly more root carbon (14.3 Mg C ha−1) than the landward site (9.4 Mg C ha−1) (p<0.05). Tree density and basal area showed a significant positive relationship with BGRC. Although only two species were planted, after 15 years, we observed the total number of species reached nine. The carbon stock, progressive species richness in this plantation reflects the significance of young mangrove plantations in sequestering carbon to mitigate climate change and biodiversity conservation as nature-based solutions which may be useful for future coastal afforestation and restoration programs.