Estimating Carbon Stock in Biomass and Soil of Young Eco-Forest in Urban City, Thailand

Abstract

One method of mitigating the effect of climate change is to increase carbon sequestration areas in eco-forest plantations that are important for carbon cycling. The Miyawaki technique of afforestation has been recommended for eco-forest plantations in urban city settings because of its suitability for rapid growth of thick trees, carbon sequestration, and improved air quality. The objectives of this study were to estimate the potential of carbon sequestration in above-ground and below-ground biomass using an allometric equation and soil collected from the young eco-forest at the Environmental Research and Training Center (ERTC) in Technopolis, Pathum Thani Province during June 2019–February 2020. Carbon fraction was analyzed with a CHN analyzer. The results showed that carbon content of plants in the young eco-forest was highest in roots (45.34), leaves (44.92), and stems and branches (44.20). The percent carbon content in the soil at depths of 0–100 cm ranged from 1.0–2.8. Total potential for total carbon storage was 156.53 t C ha-1, derived from the average of carbon stocks recorded in above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, and soil, which were 15.02, 3.72, 137.79 t C ha-1. Thus, eco-forest can indicate potential for reducing carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, fixing carbon in living biomass and soil, and maintaining environmental balance in an ecosystem.