Estimation of Biomass and Forest Carbon in the Tropical Dry Forest of the Sicarare Wetland in Valledupar, Cesar.

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Sicarare Wetland as a carbon sink within the Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) of Valledupar, one of Colombia’s ecosystems most impacted by climate change and deforestation. Using a quantitative approach, a forest inventory was conducted to gather data on tree dimensions and species diversity, estimating stored biomass and carbon. Measurement tools and allometric equations were applied, highlighting the wetland’s value for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to estimate the biomass and forest carbon of the Tropical Dry Forest in the Sicarare Wetland in Valledupar, Cesar. To achieve this, a forest and tree inventory will be conducted to obtain biodiversity indicators regarding the forest’s composition and structure. Specific biomass and carbon prediction models for this ecosystem will also be defined, providing accurate estimates tailored to its local characteristics. Method: This study employs a quantitative approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design to estimate biomass and forest carbon in the Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) of the Sicarare Wetland at a specific point in time. The research, both descriptive and exploratory, aims to establish quantitative relationships between the physical dimensions of trees and stored carbon by applying pre-established allometric models. The study population includes trees in the TDF of the wetland, utilizing stratified random sampling with 2000 m² plots. Data collection involved conventional tools, such as forest measurement tapes for diameter at breast height (DBH), a Pressler borer for wood samples, and GPS for plot georeferencing, enabling accurate biomass estimates through allometric equations. Results: The study’s results, based on field measurements and statistical analyses, provide a comprehensive view of the biomass, carbon storage, and biodiversity within the Sicarare Wetland's Tropical Dry Forest (TDF). A forest inventory identified 457 trees across 40 species, with an estimated total biomass of 1,104,746 tons and carbon storage of 552,373 tons. Measurements of tree diameter, height, and volume revealed a predominance of young or medium-sized trees, with diameter and height distributions indicating a regenerating forest structure. Biodiversity indices, including Margalef (6.53), Simpson (0.93), and Shannon (3.10), reflect high species diversity and ecosystem resilience. Predictive models confirmed a strong correlation between diameter at breast height (DBH) and both biomass and carbon, highlighting the forest’s significant role as a carbon sink. This research, part of a Clean Development Mechanism initiative, supports sustainable management efforts and aims to mitigate climate change through CO₂ reduction, reforestation, and community collaboration, with projected CO₂ reductions of over 2 million tons.

Keywords

• Forest biomass, carbon, Tropical Dry Forest, Sicarare Wetland, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, allometric models.