Trees, Forests and People (Dec 2024)
Effect of elevation and aspect on carbon stock of bamboo stands (Bambusa nutans subsp. Cupulata) outside the forest area in Eastern Nepal
Abstract
Bamboo has emerged as a promising option for climate change mitigation due to its rapid growth, versatility, and renewability. However, in Nepal, there exists a substantial knowledge gap on carbon (C) stock and the influence of aspect and elevation on C stock of bamboo species, particularly in areas outside forests where bamboo is dominant. Therefore, this research was conducted to quantify C stock and aspect-elevation influence on the C stock of Bambusa nutans subsp. cupulata outside the forest area. For this study, three elevation zones (0–400 m, 400–800 m, 800–1200 m) and two aspects (East and West) were considered. A total of 30 square plots having a 100 m2 area were established utilizing purposive sampling due to the scattered distribution of bamboo. Non-destructive methods were applied to measure bamboo culm diameters, while composite soil samples were systematically collected from 30 cm depth using soil augers and core samplers. Clump density (400 ha⁻¹), culm density (42,480 ha⁻¹) and culm diameter (6.82 ± 0.41 cm) were highest at middle elevations (p 0.05). The total mean C stock potential of B. nutans was 148.73 ± 3.43 Mg ha⁻¹. Our results indicated a significant difference in C stock among elevation zones, with middle elevation zones (161.77 ± 6.74 Mg ha-1) exhibiting notably higher C stock compared to both lower (150.26 ± 2.69 Mg ha-1) and higher (134.17 ± 4.26 Mg ha-1) elevation zones. Furthermore, East aspect was found to have significantly (p < 0.05) higher soil organic C stock (18.52 ± 1.32 Mg ha-1) compared to West aspect (11.4 ± 1.01 Mg ha-1). Further research is needed to explore other complex environmental interactions with C stock potential for better climate change strategies. Incorporating bamboo C into Nepal's REDD+ initiative can be crucial for optimizing opportunities to earn C credits.
