Search

Land use change is an important factor to consider in carbon emissions estimates, and quantification of changes in carbon flows and stocks in the “Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry” sector is largely less reliable than emissions’ assessments from stationary sources and transport. The purpose of the research is to test the methodology for regional assessment of carbon stocks of ecosystems and their transformation under the land use/land cover change (based on the example of the Yaroslavl region). We used available European Space Agency spatial land cover data and publications on carbon density of major reservoirs of terrestrial ecosystems. Calculations were carried out in InVEST, ArcGIS, MS Excel. It was revealed that for 1992–2019 changes in land cover affected 6.8% of the region’s area. About 337.4 million tons of carbon were accumulated in the ecosystems of the Yaroslavl region, the dynamics of reserves is positive, which is explained by an increase in the areas of forests and wetlands. About 73% of the total carbon reserves are accumulated in forest ecosystems, about 20% – in arable lands, pastures and meadows, 5% – in swamps. Trends in land use change and carbon stock dynamics within land cover classes/ecosystem types should be taken into account for developing regional-level recommendations for ecosystem management to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration.

Climate change has been identified as a global issue that must be controlled at every possible step. Arunachal Pradesh is considered a biodiversity hotspot that needs to be conserved. Carbon stock assessment of an area, especially forests, has emerged as an important aspect of understanding the carbon storage capacities of trees of that forest, helping to mitigate climate change along with promoting sustainable conservation of biodiversity. Siwalik refers to the foothill part of the Himalayas comprising of small hillocks. It is characterised by rugged and undulating topography. Due to increasing anthropogenic activities, this region is growing fragile and needs to be conserved. This review article presents various aspects of carbon stock assessment, highlighting the benefits and the challenges that hinder the process of carbon stock estimation. Various articles based upon assessing forest biomass and carbon stock of Arunachal Pradesh were reviewed. To provide insights about associated opportunities, futuristic tendencies, and challenges in carbon stock assessment using geospatial technology, the present article was planned. Reach to understand the preferred method of estimating forest biomass and related carbon stock. Also to get to know about the obstacles that was confronted during the assessment of the carbon potential of forests. The article will review and highlight the use of field-based data inventory in combination with Remote Sensing technology for carbon stock assessment of an area along with the challenges, benefits, and futuristic scope related to them.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon in their biomass and soil. However, Ethiopia faces the threat of soil carbon emissions due to deforestation and continuous cultivation. This study reviewed the analogies in phytobiomass and soil carbon evaluation methods in Ethiopia. Index-base and year-wise analysis methods were used for the compilation of the study. Developing nations, such as Ethiopia, duly enhance resilient measures to assess forest carbon stocks for effective climate change mitigation, particularly with reference to emissions from deforestation and degradation. Even though more than 90% of Ethiopia’s energy comes from forest biomass, deforestation significantly affects the carbon stored in aboveground biomass, which is the largest reservoir. Estimating forest biomass and carbon emissions entails uncertainties, with error ranges around ±50% for aboveground pools and ±90% for soil carbon pools. Various tier methodologies are employed by experts to estimate forest biomass and carbon stock emissions, with Tier 2 factors serving as default emissions but country-specific factors offering improved accuracy over Tier 1. Tier 3 methodologies require highly specific inventory data on carbon stocks in different pools and common measurements of key carbon stocks. Forest conservation enhances biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and essential ecosystem services, fostering soil health, regulating water cycles, and supporting diverse plant and animal species. In conclusion, directing efforts towards forest conservation not only helps maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services but also significantly contributes to mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon storage capacities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract Background Carbon (C) sink and stock are among the most important ecosystem services provided by forests in climate change mitigation policies. In this context, old-growth forests constitute an essential reference point for the development of close-to-nature silviculture, including C management techniques. Despite their small extent in Europe, temperate old-growth forests are assumed to be among the most prominent in terms of biomass and C stored. However, monitoring and reporting of C stocks is still poorly understood. To better understand the C stock amount and distribution in temperate old-growth forests, we estimated the C stock of two old-growth stands in the Dinaric Alps applying different assessment methods, including direct and indirect approaches (e.g., field measurements and allometric equations vs. IPCC standard methods). This paper presents the quantification and the distribution of C across the five main forest C pools (i.e., aboveground, belowground, deadwood, litter and soil) in the study areas and the differences between the applied methods. Results We report a very prominent C stock in both study areas (507 Mg C ha− 1), concentrated in a few large trees (36% of C in 5% of trees). Moreover, we found significant differences in C stock estimation between direct and indirect methods. Indeed, the latter tended to underestimate or overestimate depending on the pool considered. Conclusions Comparison of our results with previous studies and data collected in European forests highlights the prominence of temperate forests, among which the Dinaric Alps old-growth forests are the largest. These findings provide an important benchmark for the development of future approaches to the management of the European temperate forests. However, further and deeper research on C stock and fluxes in old-growth stands is of prime importance to understand the potential and limits of the climate mitigation role of forests.

[Objective] Sustainable Development Goal 15.3.1 (SDG 15.3.1) is one of the important indicators to characterize land degradation.Exploring the impact of land use change and ecosystem service values (ESVs) on SDG 15.3.1 is a key factor to improve land degradation. [Methods] Based on land use and carbon stock changes, a new evaluation rule was established for SDG15.3.1 index, and the completion of SDG 15.3.1 was evaluated. The equivalent factor method was used to calculate the value of ecosystem services to quantitatively analyse the impact of land use change on ESV. [Results] (1) The land use type change was frequent in the study area, which mainly showed that high forest land, water body and construction land increased, cultivated land, grassland and shrub decreased, and unused land remained basically unchanged; (2) The spatial distribution pattern of ESV was high in the middle, low arround, high in the west and low in the east; From 2000 to 2020, the total ESV loss was 7.32×108 yuan. From 2000 to 2010, the ESV loss of land degradation area was 3.03×109 yuan. From 2010 to 2020, the ESV loss in land degradation areas was 2.28×109 yuan. (3) According to the evaluation results of SDG15.3.1, the indicators of SDG15.3.1 for 2000—2010 and 2010—2020 are 5.22 percent and 4.77 percent, respectively, while the net land restoration area was -1.62×105 hm2 and -2.4×105 hm2. The SDG15.3.1 target had improved, but the zero land degradation growed target is still not achieved. [Conclusion] The research results provided a reference for the impact of land use change on ecosystem services in the process of achieving SDG 15.3.1 in plateau urban agglomerations.

Land use plays an important role in maintaining carbon stock balance, ecosystem sustainability, and the environment. Massive land use changes in forest areas, peatlands, mangroves, and greenways result in an increase in CO2 release. This research aimed to analyze the impact of land use changes on the value of the carbon stock around Yogyakarta International Airport. The data used were Pleiades images in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Image analysis was carried out visually to produce detailed and accurate land use classification. Meanwhile, multitemporal map overlays were carried out to find out land use changes. Changes in carbon stock were obtained from the land use formula multiplied by the value of the Greenhouse Gas Constant (GGC). The results showed that the construction of an airport and its supporting infrastructure triggered land use changes that had implications for the decreasing carbon stock. The decrease in the area of vegetation cover in fields, community plantations, and mixed plantations from 2014 to 2022, amounting to -640.99 ha, increased carbon emissions. The results of the analysis showed that there had been changes in carbon stock. In 2014, the value was 150,286.57 t C/ha; in 2018, it decreased to 136,631.56 t C/ha; and in 2022, it reduced to 133,554.36 t C/ha. Massive economic activity and infrastructure development trigger reduced vegetation cover, resulting in increased carbon and increased carbon being released into the atmosphere. The problem of land conversion that affects changes in carbon stock and impacts climate change requires mitigation, among which is proper land use management and sustainable spatial planning.

The integration of trees into diverse land-use systems holds potential for India to meet nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. With a target of sequestering 2.5–3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030, the study focused on the widespread and economically viable eucalyptus-based agroforestry, practiced widely in various planting geometries tailored to meet industrial end-use requirements. In this context, a detailed study was conducted to quantify the influence of five planting geometries [3 m × 3 m, 6 × 1.5 m, 17 × 1 × 1 m (paired row) and two boundary plantations (east–west and north–south directions) at 2 m away from tree to tree] of eucalyptus on intercrops [dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)—barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) rotation] biomass, soil properties, and carbon stock of the system during 2009–2016. Results revealed that biomass accumulation of different tree components was 62.50%–74.09% in stem; 6.59%–9.14% in branch; 3.18%–5.73% in leaves; 12.20%–20.44% in stump roots; and 1.71%–3.48% in fine roots across the planting geometries. The mean carbon content of the stem, branch, leaves, and roots was 49.00, 47.00, 43.00, and 49.00%, respectively. Over the 8-year period, geometry of 3 × 3 m performed better in terms of total biomass production (344.60 Mg ha− 1 by tree biomass and 62.53 Mg ha−1 by intercrops). The independent parameter, DBH²H (DBH: diameter at breast height and H: tree height), was found to be a very good predictor of dry weight, followed by DBH alone. Among various functions (linear, allometric, logistic, Gompertz, Chapman, and exponential), the best-fit equation was allometric, i.e., B = 300.96 × DBH²H0.93 (adjusted R² = 0.96) for eucalyptus based on universal model adequacy and validation criteria. The carbon sequestration rate was maximum (20.79 Mg C ha−1 year−1) in 3 × 3 m followed by 17 × 1 × 1 m. The total carbon stock of eucalyptus-based system (tree + crop + soil) varied significantly under different planting geometries and sole crop rotation (dhaincha–barley). The higher carbon stock (237.27 Mg ha−1) was obtained from 3 × 3 m spacing and further partitioning carbon stock in trees—166.29 Mg ha−1, crops—25.01 Mg ha−1 and soil—45.97 Mg ha−1. The paired row spacing (17 × 1 × 1 m) yielded higher crop yield and net returns (Rs. 600,475 ha−1), underscoring wide spacing’s role in system productivity and sustainability. Tree-based systems were valuable components of agriculture, advocating for their widespread adoption to reduce CO2 emissions and generate income through carbon credits. These findings will provide crucial insights into sustainable land-use practices and advance India’s commitment toward adaptation of climate change mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unprecedented seasonal forest fires pose a significant threat to the carbon stocks of diverse ecosystems, particularly in regions like Uttarakhand, west Himalaya. Understanding the impact of varying fire frequencies on different forest types is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. This study aims to assess the loss of carbon stock in three distinct forest types—Sal, Pine, and Mixed across an elevation gradient in Uttarakhand, facing unprecedented seasonal forest fires. By investigating pre- and post-fire conditions, analyzing biomass dynamics, and mapping fire frequencies, the research aims to provide insights into the complex interplay of fire regimes and forest resilience. The investigation covers vegetation analysis, biomass assessment, and fire frequency mapping. Biomass and carbon stock calculations were carried out using a non-destructive sampling method. Fire frequency maps were generated using Landsat satellite imagery spanning a decade, integrating MODIS hotspot data for classification. The study reveals distinct patterns in biomass changes across Sal, Pine, and Mixed forests in response to varying fire frequencies. Sal forests exhibit resilience to low-intensity fires, while Pine forests show higher sensitivity. Carbon stock contributions of dominant species varied significantly, with Sal and Chir-Pine forests emerging as crucial contributors. High fire frequencies lead to substantial carbon stock reduction in all forest types. The findings emphasize the sensitivity of aboveground biomass to fire frequency, with significant carbon stock loss observed in higher fire frequency classes. The study underscores the importance of nuanced conservation strategies tailored to distinct forest types and species characteristics. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, forest managers, and conservationists in formulating targeted conservation and management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural forests are crucial for climate change mitigation and adaptation, but deforestation and degradation challenges highly reduce their value. This study evaluates the potential of natural forest carbon stock and the influence of management interventions on enhancing forest carbon storage capacity. Based on forest area cover, a study was conducted in nine purposely selected forest patches across various forest ecosystems. Data on diameter, height, and environmental variables from various forest management approaches were collected and analyzed with R Ver. 4.1. The findings revealed a substantial difference (p.029) in carbon stock between environmental variables and management interventions. The findings revealed a strong connection between environmental variables and the overall pool of carbon stock within forest patches (p.029). Carbon stocks were highest in the Moist‐montane forest ecosystem (778.25 ton/ha), moderate slope (1019.5 ton/ha), lower elevation (614.50 ton/ha), southwest‐facing (800.1 ton/ha) and area exclosures (993.2 ton/ha). Accordingly, natural forests, particularly unmanaged parts, are sensitive to anthropogenic stresses, decreasing their ability to efficiently store carbon. As a result, the study highlighted the importance of sustainable forest management, particularly area exclosures and participatory forest management, in increasing forest carbon storage potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon stocks provide information that is essential for analyzing the role of forests in global climate mitigation, yet they are highly vulnerable to wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems. These carbon stocks' exposure to fire is usually estimated from specific allometric equations relating tree height and diameter to the overall amount of aboveground carbon storage. Assessments of vulnerability to fire additionally allow for specific fire resistance (bark thickness, crown basal height) and post-fire recovery traits (cone mass for regeneration, and fine branches or leaves mass for flammability) to be accounted for. These traits are usually considered as static, and their temporal dynamic is rarely assessed, thus preventing a full assessment of carbon stocks' vulnerability and subsequent cascading effects. This study aimed to measure the pools of carbon stocks of individual trees varying between 30 and 96 years old in the Djbel Mansour Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forest in semi-arid central Tunisia in the southern range of its distribution to fit a sigmoid equation of the carbon pools and traits recovery according to age as a vulnerability framework. Allometric equations were then developed to establish the relationships between fire vulnerability traits and dendrometric independent variables (diameter at breast height, height, and live crown length) for further use in regional vulnerability assessments. The total carbon stocks in trees varied from 29.05 Mg C ha−1 to 92.47 Mg C ha−1. The soil organic carbon stock (SOC) at a maximum soil depth of 0–40 cm varied from 31.67 Mg C ha−1 to 115.67 Mg C ha−1 at a soil depth of 0–70 cm. We could identify an increasing resistance related to increasing bark thickness and basal crown height with age, and enhanced regeneration capacity after 25 years of age with increasing cone biomass, converging toward increasing vulnerability and potential cascading effects under shorter interval fires. These results should be considered for rigorous forest carbon sequestration assessment under increasing fire hazards due to climate and social changes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]In an attempt to increase carbon stock in the agricultural sector, the marginalized and unstable lands were identified as the fallow plots, carbon sinks due to ecological fallowing under future multi-gradient fallowing scenarios were explored to provide an crucial basis for arranging the fallow of marginalised cropland and enriching the theory of carbon sequestration in the northeast black soil region. [Methods]Based on the 2005 and 2020 land use data in the central black soil area of Jilin Province, a multi-gradient fallow scenario was simulated by the PLUS-Markov coupled model and the InVEST model, and the carbon stock and the potential for carbon sequestration and sink enhancement due to ecological fallow in the study area were measured. [Results](1)The natural development scenario and three fallowing scenarios A, B, and C with increasing intensity were set in this study. The marginal unstable farmland fallow in scenarios A, B, and C were 1. 5 × 104 hm², 2. 65 × 104 hm², and 3. 8 × 104 hm², respectively. These scenarios were mainly driv-en by socio-economic factors, accounting for about 30％of the total contribution. In terms of fallow types, the returning-to-forest areas widely distributed, mainly concentrated in the places such as Siping, Dongliao, and Changchun, while the returning-to-grass areas were smaller but exhibited spatial aggregation features, which were mainly located in the places such as Shuangliao and Nong'an. (2)As the simulated fallow intensi-ty increased, the carbon stock in the study area also indicated an increasing trend. Under fallow scenarios A, B, and C, the estimated carbon storage would reach up to 7. 26 × 106 Mg, 7. 27 × 106 Mg和7. 27 × 106 Mg, respectively, which decreased from the southeast and the northwest. The areas with high carbon sinks concentrated mainly in areas such as Shulan, Yongji, and Huadian. (3)Under different fallow scenarios, the carbon sink pattern in the study area remained stable, mainly concentrated in the eastern and southern parts. Considering the factors of food security and agricultural carbon sequestration demand, it is recommended to refer to the fallowing scenario B, and Siping, Dongliao, and Changchun will become the key agricultural carbon sink units in the black soil area of central Jilin Province. It is estimated that carbon stock will increase to 1963. 4 Mg, 806. 48 Mg and 703. 06 Mg, respectively. [Conclusion]The carbon stock increase from the agricultural sector in the black soil region of central Jilin Province depends on the fallow of marginalized croplands in a rolling hilly region. The productivity and the ecological effects arising from cropland use should be balanced in the layout and priority of the fallow projects. Meanwhile, the food production capacity needs to be adjusted in conjunc-tion with comprehensive land reclamation in the entire region in order to achieve the aims of improving the spatial suitability of cropland and the sustainability of the agricultural system in the black soil area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces have received little attention for climate change mitigation by way of carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. The present study explores the diversity and CO2 mitigation value of roadside tree species in Sagar city, India. Various diversity and richness indices were determined to assess the diversity structure of these discontinuous vegetations. The CO2 mitigation value was determined by estimating biomass and carbon stock through a non-destructive method. The study area was found to include 1,130 individuals belonging to 26 families and 66 species. A higher value of diversity indices (Simpson's, 0.95 and Shannon's, 3.42) and lower Simpson's index of dominance (0.05), along with the higher value of species richness (9.25) and evenness (0.82) showed good diversity and uniform distribution of the species. The CO2 mitigation value for the present study area was 66.62 Mg/ha, along with a total biomass value of 36.3 Mg/ha and a carbon stock of 18.15 Mg C/ha. Observations from the study show that these types of vegetations do play a substantial role in carbon sequestration. The results of this study will be useful to give an insight into the significance of these roadside trees to policymakers and the necessity for careful management of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots play a fundamental role in forest ecosystems, but obtaining samples from deep layers remains a challenging process due to the methodological and financial efforts required. In our quest to understand the dynamics of Eucalyptus roots, we raise three fundamental questions. First, we inquire about the average extent of the roots of two contrasting Eucalyptus genotypes. Next, we explore the factors that directly influence the growth and depth of these roots, addressing elements such as soil type, climate, and water availability. Lastly, we investigate how the variation in Eucalyptus species may impact root growth patterns, biomass, and carbon stock. In this study, we observed that the maximum root depth increased by an average of 20% when genotypes were grown on sites with higher water availability (wet site). E. urophylla stands had a higher biomass and carbon stock (5.7 Mg C ha−1) of fine roots when cultivated on dry sites (annual rainfall~727 mm) than the wet sites (annual rainfall~1590 mm). In E. grandis × E. camaldulensis stands, no significant differences were observed in the stock of fine root biomass (3.2 Mg C ha−1) between the studied environments. Our results demonstrated that genotypes with greater drought tolerance (E. grandis × E. camaldulensis) tend to maintain higher stocks of fine root biomass (3.2–6.3 Mg ha−1) compared to those classified as plastic (E. urophylla), regardless of the edaphoclimatic conditions of the cultivation site. Finally, our research helps understand how Eucalyptus trees adapt to their environment, aiding sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation. We also provide a practical tool to estimate underground biomass, assisting forest managers and policymakers in ensuring long-term forest sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forested areas provide various services, including crucial carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. The Madhupur Sal Forest (MSF) in Bangladesh was studied extensively for its ecosystem services and carbon sequestration potential. Research conducted from February to August 2023 in Gaira and Dokhola villages assessed local community benefits and biodiversity. Interviews with 50 respondents and analysis of 20 plots were conducted to study carbon sequestration in the MSF. Twenty identified ecosystem services range from fuel and wood to cultural and economic advantages. Eight tree species, totaling 401 trees, were identified, with Ficus hispida being the most effective in annual carbon sequestration. Shorea robusta showed less efficacy in carbon sequestration, resulting in a total forest capture of 12 004 657.8 pounds per year. The study highlights the MSF's significant contribution to global climate change mitigation. Emphasis is placed on the need for enhanced carbon sequestration through forest management, reforestation, and afforestation projects in deforested areas. Despite diverse ecosystem services, the MSF faces threats, necessitating collaborative conservation efforts, sustainable management practices, and community involvement for its vitality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and identification of the factors influencing its spatial variation are crucial for adopting appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies under changing climatic conditions. The present study aims to measure SOC content and stock and identify the factors contributing to SOC variation in India's sub-tropical, dry sub-humid Eastern Plateau Region (EPR). It also aims to recognize the potential land uses for enhancing the C stock in the region. Soil samples were collected from two soil depth layers—0 to 10 cm and 10 to 20 cm, from locations under different soil type, land use, and topographic conditions. The Walkley-Black method was used to determine the SOC content of the samples. Ordinary kriging based on an exponential semi-variogram model was employed to analyze the spatial variability of SOC concentration and its relationship with the sampling strata. The study shows that the topsoil variation in SOC depended mainly on the land use type and the corresponding soil properties viz. pH and texture. Cultivated areas, especially those of the lowland, recorded higher SOC than other land use classes. The findings of the present study are useful for defining agricultural management practices and carbon sequestration strategies for the region in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the CO2 capture potential for the Parque Natural Regional Serrania de las Quinchas buffer area in Colombia. For this purpose, multitemporal analysis for land covering for the years 1989, 2000, 2006, 2011, 2017 and 2021 was performed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for each cover and land cover (LC) methodology. In the same way, aboveground biomass (AGB) was measured for representative parcels by measuring tree diameters and heights and applying adequate allometric models; carbon content in soils was measured too. The results showed that carbon content in soils is higher than that in aboveground biomass. Average values for the tree parcels were above 2 times the value recorded for average tropical humid forests, and one of them had a value 7 times this value. A very interesting potential for existing forest recovery was found for this area. Strategies for this include the development of sustainable practices, land use management, biodiversity preservation and the participation and leading of the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate estimation of forest carbon stock is important for analyzing the carbon cycle. In order to obtain forest carbon stock efficiently, this paper utilizes airborne LiDAR data to research the applicability of different feature screening methods in combination with machine learning in the carbon stock estimation model. First, Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (SCC) and Extreme Gradient Boosting tree (XGBoost) were used to screen out the variables that were extracted via Airborne LiDAR with a higher correlation with carbon stock. Then, Bagging, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) were used to construct the carbon stock estimation model. The results show that the height statistical variable is more strongly correlated with carbon stocks than the density statistical variables are. RF is more suitable for the construction of the carbon stock estimation model compared to the instance-based KNN algorithm. Furthermore, the combination of the XGBoost algorithm and the RF algorithm performs best, with an R2 of 0.85 and an MSE of 10.74 on the training set and an R2 of 0.53 and an MSE of 21.81 on the testing set. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of statistical feature screening methods and Random Forest for carbon stock estimation model construction. The XGBoost algorithm has a wider applicability for feature screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands in China cover an extensive area and rank second globally. They constitute the second-largest carbon reservoir in China after forests, holding about 8% of the total carbon stock of the world's grassland ecosystems. This study focuses on the grasslands of Wuchuan County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of Northern China. This study compares the carbon stock and density characteristics across different communities based on plot survey and GIS vector data. It also anticipates the region's carbon sequestration potential using biomass-to-carbon conversion and extrapolation methods. The findings indicate that (1) the total carbon stock in the study area is 1805.65 × 104 tons with an average carbon density of 77.50 t/ha. The distribution of carbon density and stock follows a pattern: soil layer > herbaceous layer > litter layer; (2) the Stipa krylovii + Leymus chinensis community exhibits the highest carbon stock and density; (3) there is a positive correlation between herbaceous carbon density and NPP (Net Primary Productivity) values in the study area; and (4) the overall carbon stock in the region is projected to increase, with growth rates accelerating annually. These results contribute to our understanding of the formation, turnover, stability maintenance, and regulation mechanisms of grassland soil organic carbon. Furthermore, they hold significant implications for enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate estimation of aboveground forest phytomass remains a challenging research task. In general, methods for estimating phytomass fall mainly into the category of field measurements performed by ground-based methods, but approaches based on remote sensing and ecological modelling have been increasingly applied. The aim is to develop the scientific and methodological framework for the remote sensing estimation of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of forest stands, using the combination of surveys and machine learning models to determine phytomass of forest stands and calculate the carbon balance. Even-aged stands of different tree species growing in the forest steppe zone of the East European Plain were chosen as test objects. We have applied the modernized methodological approaches to compare and integrate forest and tree stand characteristics obtained by ground-based and UAV-based comprehensive surveys; additionally, we developed computer vision models and methods for determining the same characteristics by remote sensing methods. The key advantage of the proposed methodology for remote monitoring and carbon balance control over existing analogues is the minimization of the amount of groundwork and, consequently, the reduction inlabor costs without loss of information quality. Reliable data on phytomass volumes will allow for operational control of the forest carbon storage, which is essential for decision-making processes. This is important for the environmental monitoring of forests and green spaces of various economic categories. The proposed methodology is necessary for the monitoring and control of ecological–climatic and anthropogenic–technogenic transformations in various landscapes. The development is useful for organizing the management of ecosystems, environmental protection, and managing the recreational and economic resources of landscapes with natural forests and forest plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying soil attributes in agroforestry reflects its productivity and carbon dynamics which indicates a healthier ecosystem functioning toward achieving sustainable production of coffee in the Southern region of Chhattisgarh. The present study was carried out in the coffee-based agroforestry system (AFs) of the Darbha Block, Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. The objective of this paper was to analyze soil properties and carbon dynamics of soil under five varietal treatments of coffee-based AFs. Silver oak cultivation was added to the AFs as it protects coffee and helps in sustainable coffee production. The soil was collected randomly using the auger from two different depths viz., 0–15 and 15–30 cm under coffee-based AFs. The value of N, P, K, S, B, Zn, C, Fe, Mn, OC%, and SOC stock were higher in San Ramon (T3) based AFs. The values of bulk density (BD), pH, and EC were recorded as highest under control treatment (To), respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock ranged between 10.21 (T0)–13.86 (T3) and 0.34 (T0)–0.59 (T3) t ha−1 for surface and sub-soil, respectively. Data analysis revealed the isolation of six PCA (principle component analysis) from the various soil attributes. The first component reflected maximum variability for both layers. Further, correlation studies revealed a strong association between the soil attributes. Therefore, the present work highlights the importance of agroforestry systems towards improving soil quality along with sustainable production of coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatialization of biomass and carbon stocks is essential for a good understanding of the forest stand and its characteristics, especially in degraded Mediterranean cork oak forests. Furthermore, the analysis of biomass and carbon stock changes and dynamics is essential for understanding the carbon cycle, in particular carbon emissions and stocks, in order to make projections, especially in the context of climate change. In this research, we use a multidimensional framework integrating forest survey data, LiDAR UAV data, and extracted vegetation indices from Landsat imagery (NDVI, ARVI, CIG, etc.) to model and spatialize cork oak biomass and carbon stocks on a large scale. For this purpose, we explore the use of univariate and multivariate regression modeling and examine several types of regression, namely, multiple linear regression, stepwise linear regression, random forest regression, simple linear regression, logarithmic regression, and quadratic and cubic regression. The results show that for multivariate regression, stepwise regression gives good results, with R2 equal to 80% and 65% and RMSE equal to 2.59 and 1.52 Mg/ha for biomass and carbon stock, respectively. Random forest regression, chosen as the ML algorithm, gives acceptable results, explaining 80% and 60% of the variation in biomass and carbon stock, respectively, and an RMSE of 2.74 and 1.72 Mg/ha for biomass and carbon stock, respectively. For the univariate regression, the simple linear regression is chosen because it gives satisfactory results, close to those of the quadratic and cubic regressions, but with a simpler equation. The vegetation index chosen is ARVI, which shows good performance indices, close to those of the NDVI and CIG. The assessment of biomass and carbon stock changes in the study area over 35 years (1985–2020) showed a slight increase of less than 10 Mg/ha and a decrease in biomass and carbon stock over a large area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored more deeply. Research on the structure and the composition of the vegetation and carbon stock in the old secondary peat forest was carried out in the protected areas of Bukit Batu, Riau Province, and Muara Merang, South Sumatra Province. Based on a 1-hectare permanent plot established in Bukit Batu and Muara Merang, 25 subplots of 20 m by 20 m were established in each location for measurement purposes. The results showed that Bukit Batu and Muara Merang had 42 and 36 species belonging to 26 and 20 families, respectively. Bukit Batu had a species diversity index (H') of 2.93, and the dominant tree species were Palaquium xanthochymum with an importance value index (IVI) = 66.27%, Eugenia sp. (IVI = 32.76%), and Litsea sp. (IVI = 18.39%). The Muara Merang location had a species diversity index (H') of 2.82, and the dominant tree species were Eugenia sp. (IVI = 60.88%), Alseodaphne insignis (IVI = 26.34%), and Adenanthera pavonina (IVI = 22.11%). In Bukit Batu, forest stands with a diameter of ≥10 cm contained a biomass of 178.10 tonnes/ha and carbon stock of 83.70 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 307.20 tonnes CO2/ha. Meanwhile, in Muara Merang, it was 190.41 tonnes/ha and 89.49 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 328.44 tonnes CO2/ha. This research, especially that in Bukit Batu, Riau Province, enriches the data and information available to date and is very useful in supporting restoration practices in Riau Province's Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the Man and Biosphere Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of national parks has emerged as a significant component of Indonesia's climate mitigation efforts, primarily due to its substantial carbon stocks. However, little is known about the potential carbon stored in deadwoods within these areas. This study aims to estimate fallen deadwood carbon stocks in four national parks in Indonesia. The results show that the density of deadwood in study areas ranges from 0.26 - 0.79 g cm-3. Deadwood volume varies between 247.37 - 388.50 cm³. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park has the highest fallen deadwood biomass and carbon stock, accounting for 261.35 and 122.83 tons ha-1, respectively, followed by Sebangau National Park (187.41 and 88.08 tons ha-1), Kutai National Park (139.91 and 65.76 tons ha-1) and Lore Lindu National Park (87.90 and 41.32 tons ha-1). This study also found that large deadwood with diameters of >7.5 cm contributes to more than 80% of the total deadwood carbon stock. Understanding the carbon stock stored in deadwood within national park areas is crucial for refining estimates of potential avoided greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the conservation of national park forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of silvicultural and land-use management practices on carbon sequestration in peri-urban forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on human-induced carbon dynamics. The study area's complex profile spans from a compact native forest to varying degrees of fragmentation. This included areas undergoing secondary succession forest without silvicultural interventions (No-SI) alongside sites subjected to high-intensity (High-SI) and low-intensity silvicultural interventions (Low-SI). The research assessed carbon stocks and sequestration in different carbon pools (living biomass, dead organic matter and soil) using field data, allometric equations and laboratory analysis. Findings reveal a significant correlation between the intensity of anthropogenic interventions and variations in carbon stocks. The CASMOFOR model facilitated the reconstruction of carbon stock and carbon-stock change dynamics over four decades (1980–2022), showing disparities in carbon storage capabilities linked to the structural characteristics of the sites. The Low-SI site had the highest carbon stock in all carbon pools (378 tonnes C ha−1), which is more than double compared to High-SI (161 tonnes C ha−1) or No-SI sites (134 tonnes C ha−1). However, the secondary succession forest (No-SI) demonstrated the highest annual carbon stock change (4.4 tonnes C ha−1 year−1), two times higher than the Low-SI mature stand (2.2 tonnes C ha−1 year−1), emphasising the resilience of forest ecosystems to recover and sustain carbon sequestration capacities after harvesting if forest land use remains unchanged. The study underscores the significant importance of anthropogenic interventions on carbon dynamics, especially for living tree biomass, which has consequences in enhancing carbon sequestration and contributing to emission reduction targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial–temporal distribution and evolution characteristics of carbon stock under the influence of land use changes are crucial to the scientific management of environmental resources and the optimization of land spatial layout. Taking the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou urban agglomeration in the southeastern coastal region of China as an example, based on seven land use types from 1990 to 2020, including cultivated land, woodland, and construction land, we quantitatively investigate the spatial–temporal patterns of carbon stock development and the spatial correlation of carbon stock distribution. Additionally, two scenarios for the development of urban and ecological priorities in 2060 are established to investigate the effects of land use changes on carbon stock. The results indicate that (1) the research area has formed a land use spatial pattern centered around urban construction in the eastern bay area, with the western forest area and coastal forest belt serving as ecological barriers. Carbon stock is influenced by land use type, and the distribution of total carbon stock exhibits a spatial aggregation phenomenon characterized by "low in the southeast, high in the north, and medium in the center". (2) Distance of trunk and secondary roads, elevation, slope, watershed borders, population size, and gross domestic product (GDP) factors are the main drivers of the growth of land use types. The primary causes of the reduction in carbon stock are the widespread conversion of cultivated land, woodland, and grassland into construction land, as well as water and unused land. (3) In 2060, there will be a decrease of 41,712,443.35 Mg in the urban priority development scenario compared to 2020, and a decrease of 29,577,580.48 Mg in the ecological priority development scenario. The estimated carbon stock under the two scenarios varies by 12,134,862.88 Mg. The average carbon storage of Zhangpu County, Quangang County, and Jimei County is expected to rise by one level under the ecological protection scenario, indicating that the vast forest area can become a potential area to maintain carbon stock. It is crucial to encourage the coordinated development of peri-urban agroforestry and ecological barriers, as well as to establish a harmonious spatial pattern of land use and carbon stock at the scale of urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests' capability to sequester and store a large amount of carbon makes it imperative to assess the carbon stocked in them. The present study aimed to map the tree aboveground carbon stock of sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Doon valley, India using object-based image analysis (OBIA) of WorldView-2, a very high resolution satellite imagery (VHRS). The study evaluated different pan-sharpening techniques for improving the spatial resolution of WorldView-2 multispectral imagery and found that the high pass filter resolution merge technique was better compared to others. OBIA was used for image segmentation and classification. It enabled the delineation of tree crowns and canopy projection area (CPA) calculation. The overall accuracy of image segmentation and classification were found to be 72.12% and 84.82% respectively. The study unveiled that there exists a strong relationship between diameter at breast height and the CPA of trees as well as CPA and tree carbon. The average forest carbon density in the study area was found to be 108 Mg ha−1. The study highlighted that OBIA of VHRS imagery coupled with field inventory can be efficiently used to quantify and map the tree carbon stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use plays an important role in maintaining carbon stock balance, ecosystem sustainability, and the environment. Massive land use changes in forest areas, peatlands, mangroves, and greenways result in an increase in CO2 release. This research aimed to analyze the impact of land use changes on the value of carbon stock study around Yogyakarta International Airport. The data used were Pleiades images in 2014,2018 and 2022. Image analysis was carried out visually to produce detailed and accurate land use classification. Meanwhile, multitemporal map overlays were carried out to find out land use changes. Changes in carbon stock were obtained from the land use formula multiplied by the value of the Greenhouse Gas Constant (GGC). The results showed that the construction of an airport and its supporting infrastructure triggered land use changes that had implications for the decreasing carbon stock. The decrease in the area of vegetation cover in fields, community plantations, and mixed plantations from 2014 to 2022, amounting to -640.99 ha, increased carbon emissions. The results of the analysis showed that there had been changes in carbon stock. In 2014, the value was 150,286.57 t C/ha; in 2018, it decreased to 136,631.561 C/ha; and in 2022, it reduced to 133,554.36 t C/ha. Massive economic activity and infrastructure development trigger reduced vegetation cover, resulting in increased carbon and increased carbon being released into the atmosphere. The problem of land conversion that affects changes in carbon stock and impacts on climate change requires mitigation, among which is by proper land use management and sustainable spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arid Land Geography is the property of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology & Geography and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Estimation of plant community composition, aboveground biomass and carbon stock is crucial for understanding forest ecology, strengthening environmental management, and developing effective tools and policies for forest restoration. This study was conducted in nine different forest reserves in Sri Lanka from 2012 to 2018 to examine the impact of community-based forest restoration (CBFR) on stand structural attributes, aboveground biomass, and carbon stock compared to state-managed forests. In total, 180 plots (90 plots in community-managed restoration blocks (CMRBs) and 90 plots assigned to state-managed restoration blocks (SMRBs)) were sampled at the study site. To conduct an inventory of standing trees, circular plots with a radius of 12.6 m (equivalent to an area of 500 square meters) were established. The Shannon diversity index, Allometric equations and Difference in Differences (DID) estimation were used to assess the data. Our study provides evidence of the positive impact of the CBFR program on enriching trees diversity. Considering stand structural attributes of both blocks showed higher trees density in the smaller diameter at breast height (DBH) category, indicating growth in both CMRBs and SMRBs. The results showed that tree biomass and carbon density were disproportionally distributed across the nine different forest reserves. On average, tree biomass and carbon density were higher in SMRBs (79.97 Mg ha−1, 37.58 Mg C ha−1) compared to CMRBs (33.51 Mg ha−1, 15.74 Mg C ha−1). However, CMRBs in Madigala reserve represent the highest biomass (56.53 and 59.92 Mg ha−1) and carbon density (26.57 and 28.16 Mg C ha−1). The results of biomass and carbon estimates were higher in all SMRBs in the nine different forest reserves compared to CMRBs. The findings suggest that future forest restoration programs in Sri Lanka should enhance participatory approaches to optimize tree species diversity, density and carbon storage, particularly in community-controlled forests. Our findings could assist developing tropical nations in understanding how CBFR impacts forest restoration objectives and improves the provision of ecological services within forests.

Integrated farming system (IFS) aims to diversify the agricultural landscapes by incorporating different components to meet the multifarious needs of the burgeoning population. The present study was undertaken to understand the impact of different cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, aggregate distribution, and aggregate associated organic carbon (AAOC) in 2-IFS models of varying sizes (0.4 and 0.8 ha) established during 2008–2009. After 10 years of the study, the fodder system registered the greatest TOC and carbon stocks across IFS models, with surface soil (0–15 cm) accumulating 17 and 13% higher TOC and C stock, respectively, in 0.4 and 0.8 ha models. In 0–15 cm, macroaggregates (Ma) represented the highest proportion (75–76%) in both models. Among cropping systems, the fodder system recorded the highest large macroaggregates in both IFS models. Within 0–30 cm depth, small macroaggregates are mostly found in the perennial system (fodder, guava+turmeric, and lemon intercropping system), indicating the potential to improve the aggregate stability over the seasonal (shorter duration) system. In general, micro aggregate (Mi) fraction was pre-dominant in sub-surface soil (17.35%). The maximum AAOC was found in Ma compared to Mi fractions, with approximately 67 and 63% of total carbon associated with Ma in 0.4 and 0.8 ha IFS models, respectively. Interestingly, the 0.8 ha IFS model had higher TOC (~11%) and carbon stock (~12%) than the 0.4 ha model, but AAOC did not show a similar result, indicating the influence of cropping systems on AAOC. The study indicated that the fodder-based production system had better performance in terms of soil physical health and increased aggregate stability and content of soil carbon. This is indicative of the advantages of perennial-based systems over seasonal- or annual-based cropping systems for soil sustainability in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Peatlands store a large amount of carbon. However, peatlands are complex ecosystems, and acquiring reliable estimates of how much carbon is stored underneath the Earth’s surface is inherently challenging, even at small scales. Here, we aim to establish links between the above- and below-ground factors that control soil carbon status, identify the key environmental variables associated with carbon storage, as well as to explore the potential for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for spatial mapping of peatlands. We combine UAVs equipped with Red-Green-Blue (RGB), multispectral, thermal infrared, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and traditional field surveys to provide a comprehensive, 3-dimensional mapping of a peatland hillslope-floodplain landscape in the Belgian Hautes Fagnes. Our results indicate that both peat thickness and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (top 1 m) are spatially heterogeneous and that the contributions from the surface topography to peat thickness and SOC stock varied from micro- to macro-scales. Peat thickness was more strongly controlled by macro-topography (R2 = 0.46) than SOC stock, which was more influenced by micro-topography (R2 = 0.21). Current vegetation had little predictive power for explaining their spatial variability. Additionally, the UAV data provided accurate estimates of both peat thickness and SOC stock, with RMSE and R2 values of 0.16 m and 0.85 for the peat thickness, and 59.25 t/ha and 0.85 for the SOC stock. However, similar performance can already be achieved by using only topographical data from the LiDAR sensor (for peat thickness) and a combination of peat thickness and topography (for SOC stock) as predictor variables. Our study bridges the gap between surface observations and the hidden carbon reservoir below. This not only allows us to improve our ability to assess the spatial distribution of SOC stocks, but also contributes to our understanding of the environmental factors associated with SOC storage in these highly heterogeneous landscapes, providing insights for environmental science and climate projections.

Rangelands are important for mitigating climate change and rehabilitating land by storing carbon from woody plants and seeds in the soil. However, there is a lack of empirical data on how traditional rangeland management practices (such as enclosure, communal grazing and prescribed fire) affect the carbon storage of woody species and the conservation potential of soil seed banks. This study evaluates the carbon sequestration and soil seed bank conservation potential of traditional rangeland management practices in the Western Guji zone, Ethiopia. A total of 32 sample plots were established using systematic random sampling, with 12 in each management practice, to measure woody biomass and estimate carbon stock using a nondestructive method. Additionally, 72 soil samples were collected for soil seed bank analysis, with 24 samples taken from each type of rangeland management practice. The study found that enclosures had the highest amount of carbon stocks 63.1 tons per hectare (t ha−1), with a corresponding carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) sequestration of 231.58 t ha-1, followed by communal grazing areas that stored 27.05 t ha−1 of carbon with a CO2e sequestration of 99.27 t ha−1. Prescribed fire had the lowest carbon stocks at 19.39 t ha−1, with a CO2e sequestration of 71.16 t ha−1. The study also found that different traditional rangeland management practices significantly influenced the diversity, richness, and density of woody species in soil seed banks. The highest Shannon diversity was recorded in enclosures (3.56 ± 0.09), followed by communal grazing (2.87 ± 0.14) and prescribed fire (1.27 ± 0.08). As a result, enclosure promotes the storage of carbon in woody plants and increases the diversity, density, and richness of woody species seeds in the soil, while prescribed fire reduces it. Therefore, it recommend for pastoralists to expand the use of enclosures as it improves the potential for conserving carbon stocks and soil seed banks of woody species.

Tropical forests play a significant role in climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, deforestation and forest degradation adversely affect these forests’ carbon stocks. Reports indicate that anthropogenic activities have led to forest degradation and deforestation in Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) and Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve (KSNR). This study assessed the effects of these activities on the carbon stocks of BFMS and KSNR. Using satellite imagery, field measurements and allometric models, carbon stocks of the study area were assessed from 1992 to 2023. The assessment revealed significant losses attributed to anthropogenic activities, such as hunting, farming and charcoal burning. BFMS experienced a total loss of 40,236 Mg C, while KSNR lost 272,109 Mg C. The closed forests had the highest carbon stock amongst the different vegetation types, with soil representing the most significant carbon pool in the protected areas, revealing the influence of vegetation structure on carbon sequestration and the need for soil conservation. The substantial carbon sequestration potential observed in the different vegetation types of the study area indicates that the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone is a prospective area for climate change mitigation aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (Goals 13 and 15) and the National Climate Change Policy of Ghana. These findings provide valuable insights for carbon trading and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the potential of nature-based solutions in addressing global climate challenges.

Push-pull technology is a companion cropping system whose success in soil fertility improvement and management of agricultural pests has been established in cereal-based systems. Push-pull has also been proposed as a template for the sustainable intensification of agriculture in Africa. However, the application of the technology has remained on a field scale and is restricted to cereal-based systems. Trees in agricultural landscapes are considered a strategy for climate change mitigation by storing carbon in soils and woody biomass. However, their potential has not been quantified in push-pull systems. This study characterized 45 smallholder farms in western Kenya to establish the land use categories within which push-pull is integrated, the diversity and structure of perennials on the farms, and the aboveground carbon stored within those farms. The area of each land use category varied depending on the size of the land use category on each farm. The amount of carbon stored in aboveground biomass was estimated using an existing allometric equation. This study found that trees are integrated on farms with push-pull in homesteads (45), cropland (38), woodlots (26), boundaries (4), and grazing land (2) farms. A total of 9159 trees from 97 different species were recorded over 34 ha. Farms in Vihiga and Kisumu had more trees (38 % and 37 % of all trees recorded) than those in Siaya (25 %). There were more trees in woodlots (total=4518) and homesteads (total=3327), and the least in grazing land (total=18). Overall, the highest species richness, Shannon, and Simpson diversity were observed in the homestead (86 species, H’=2.52 and D = 0.86). Farms in Kisumu, Vihiga, and Siaya stocked an average of 12.1, 9.4, and 7.3 Mg C ha−1 in aboveground biomass respectively. Variations were observed in land use categories, where woodlots had the greatest amount of carbon (55.5 Mg C ha−1) while grazing land had the least (2.4 Mg C ha−1). Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta, and Markhamia lutea were the most dominant trees in abundance at 50 %, 16 %, and 11 % respectively. Conservation of trees on farms should be encouraged, as they protect biodiversity and store carbon thus contributing to climate change mitigation. This study's findings contribute to knowledge valuable to farmers and policymakers in making decisions on tree species and land use categories that have a high potential to sequester carbon in agroforestry systems.

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS - Agroforestry boosts carbon storage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly. - Diverse tree-based farming enhances biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. - Carbon sequestration in agroforestry supports sustainable agriculture and environmental balance. - Agroforestry practices mitigate climate change by storing carbon in trees and soil. - Combining trees with crops provides multiple ecological and economic benefits. ABSTRACT One of the processes for compensating greenhouse gas emissions is atmospheric carbon removal and storage in the terrestrial biosphere. Agricultural systems to which trees are returned for careful management alongside crops and animals are thought to be substantial CO2 sinks. People are increasingly realizing the importance of agroforestry because it is good for the environment and farming. In this study, total carbon pools from the aboveground biomass carbon (ABGC), forest floor carbon (FFC), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were investigated and carbon storage data for some agroforestry practices native to Uttaradit in northern Thailand were analyzed. The role of these carbon pools in reducing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere was also discussed. The results showed differences in the total carbon stock sourced from traditional agroforestry (TAF), applied agroforestry (AAF), and developed agroforestry (DAF). The total carbon store (ABGC + TFFC + SOC) of TAF, AAF, and DAF was 267.05 Mg C/ha, 226.48 Mg C/ha, and 324.70 Mg C/ha, respectively. SOC contributed 47.64%, 54.26%, and 44.81% and ABGC contributed 22.75%, 19.79%, and 23.90% to the total carbon stock in TAF, AAF, and DAF, respectively. The CO2 adsorption was 979.27 Mg CO2/ha, 830.50 Mg CO2/ha, and 1,190.6 Mg CO2/ha in TAF, AAF, and DAF, respectively. It is clear that agroforestry systems serve as carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. Although the comparison of agroforestry practices and other land use types is important for carbon mitigation and the implementation of the “Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry” concept for CO2 sinks, it is also crucial to compare the potential of carbon sequestration in different CO2 pools.

The growing demand for land for slash-and-burn cultivation, driven by human population growth, has led to the creation of scattered cultivated fields and a mosaic of fallow areas in various stages of regeneration. While tropical forests have demonstrated the ability to rebound regarding tree species diversity and forest structure following disturbances, the extent of recovery in coastal vegetation in southern Africa remains uncertain and poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, our study collected biophysical data from smallholder fields, fallow land, and forests to evaluate the structure and functioning of coastal vegetation in Gaza province, southern Mozambique. We established 90 sample plots of 0.1 ha each at different stages of plant succession using opportunistic sampling approach. Within these plots, we recorded the diameter at breast height, total height, and species name of all trees and shrubs. Litter and soil samples were collected in 1 m² quadrats embedded within the main plot. Our findings indicate a high capacity for regeneration following the disturbance caused by slash-and-burn cultivation. Species composition varied significantly across different stages of succession, with 52 species identified in forests (FL), 34 in old fallow (OF), 29 in middle fallow (MF), 28 in initial fallow (IF), and 15 in cropland (CL). Richness and diversity increased over time after the practice of slash-and-burn cultivation, with a noticeable enhancement from the initial fallow stage. We observed a gradual recovery of soil carbon stocks in young fallow areas, while litter biomass decreased throughout the recovery phase of the fallow lands. Our study highlights that areas abandoned after agriculture can regenerate in terms of structure, floristic composition, and tree carbon content.

Abstract Agroforestry plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. While carbon sequestration efforts have primarily centred on forests, it is imperative to acknowledge the contribution that non-forest ecosystems, such as agroforestry, can offer. This study investigated the influence of agroforestry systems on the variation of biomass carbon stocks in the Sahelo-Sudanian and Sudanian regions of the Senegalese Groundnut basin. Three primary agroforestry systems were studied: silvopastoral, agrisilvicultural, and agrosilvopastoral. Forty-six (46) 100 m × 100 m plots were sampled, within which 1 × 1 m2 subplots were used to sample understory biomass across three agroforestry systems in the two climatic zones. Analysis of variance was performed to assess the influence of agroforestry systems and climatic zones on biomass carbon stocks. The findings showed that in the Sahelo-Sudanian region, the agrisilvicultural system exhibited the highest AGC + BGC stocks, averaging 43.42 ± 21.61 tCha−1. In contrast, the silvopastoral system showed significantly higher AGC + BGC stocks, which amounted to 36.33 ± 12.27 tCha−1 in the Sudanian region. On the other hand, understory carbon stocks were significantly higher (p

AbstractThe study area, affected by war and siege, necessitates a study of its current ecological status. The objective of this study was to assess the present forest structure, species diversity, and Total Biomass Carbon Stock (TBCS) in relation to environmental variables. The findings shown 42 woody plant species, with 23 in the highland and 41 in the midland. No significant difference in species abundance is observed between the highland and midland areas. However, there are significant differences in the average diameter and height of trees between the altitudinal classes. Additionally, diversity indices shown significant difference, with the midland shown higher values than the highland. TBCS of the forest, the highland and midland areas were 21.02, 15.6, and 22.92 tons/ha, respectively. Moreover, TBCS shown significant contributions from tree diameter and height (p

The plant biodiversity status of many village land forest reserves is little known to support meaningful implementation of sustainable forest management objectives in Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess the status of Litwang’ata village land forest reserve in Ludewa district, Southwest Tanzania through 20 square sample plots of 10 × 10 m. A total of 20 woody plant species belonging to 12 families and 19 genera with DBH ≥ 5 cm were identified in the study forest. The most important species with their importance value index were Brachystegia spiciformis (78.02), Brachystegia boehmii (22.05), Faurea saligna (15.18), Uapaca kirkiana (14), Acacia amythethophylla (13.07), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia (12.76) and Gardenia ternifolia (10.36). The forest had a Shannon diversity index (H´) of 2.27, indicating medium diversity. Stand structure comprised 1,330 ± 523 stems ha–1, basal area of 18.97 ± 6.81 m2 ha–1 and stand volume of 142.36 ± 52.17 m3 ha–1. The mean above- and belowground carbon stocks were 46.97 ± 17.23 Mg ha–1 and 23.90 ± 8.58 Mg ha–1 respectively. The higher tree densities, basal area, stand volume and carbon stocks recorded in this study compared to other Miombo woodlands indicate that Litwang’ata forest is still in good condition, and managment efforts should be strengthened to bolster biodiversity conservation for present and future generations.

Carbon sequestration is obtained from the total accumulation of the element in both soil and plants. The enhancement has the capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and influence soil quality and fertility, thereby affecting plant biomass and crop yield. Therefore, this research aimed to compare the total carbon sequestration in rice field with different farming systems, determine soil characteristics, and identify the correlation between the total carbon sequestration and impact on rice yield. An exploratory-descriptive method was used through field survey and laboratory analysis. The locations were mapped by overlaying the Indonesian landform map of the Girimarto District with various rice field systems, soil types, and slopes. Furthermore, the 12 Land Mapping Units (LMU) with 3-time repetitions resulted in 36 sampling points. Data were processed by calculating total carbon sequestration and statistical tests such as one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. The results showed that rice field farming systems affected the total carbon sequestration. Organic farming had the highest total carbon sequestration value of 72.49 Mg/ha and the increase had a strongly positive correlation with crop yield of paddy. Crop yield in organic farming were higher than in semi-organic and conventional systems by 8.92 tons/ha. Factors that determined total carbon sequestration were soil C-organic and microbial biomass C. The suggested improvement recommendations were the transition of conventional and semi-organic farming as well as adding a variety of organic fertilizers such as biofertilizers.

Global warming is a critical factor driving climate change, impacting every aspect of life on Earth. The escalating concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the primary contributor to global warming, necessitates immediate action through effective climate mitigation strategies. This study aimed to quantify the biomass and blue carbon stocks in the eastern coastal mangrove forests of North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces in Indonesia, focusing on key sites in Langkat, Deli Serdang, Batu Bara, Tanjung Balai, and Aceh Tamiang Regencies. We measured carbon stock in three carbon pools: biomass (above and below ground), necromass, and soil. By analyzing tree stands using parameters such as tree height and diameter at breast height within circular plots (7 m in radius, 125 m apart), we gathered fundamental data on forest structure, species composition, and above- and below-ground biomass. Additionally, we collected soil samples at various points and depths, measuring the amount of wood, stems, or branches (necromass) that fell to or died on the forest floor. Data were collected in plots along a line transect, comprising three transects and six circular plots each. Sixteen diverse mangrove species were found, demonstrating rich mangrove biodiversity. The mangrove forests in the five regencies exhibited significant carbon storage potential, with estimated average above-ground carbon ranging from 96 to 356 MgC/ha and average below-ground carbon from 28 to 153 MgC/ha. The estimated average deadwood carbon varied between 50 and 91 MgC/ha, while soil carbon ranged from 1200 to 2500 MgC/ha. These findings underscore the significant carbon storage potential of these mangrove forests, highlighting their importance to global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This research contributes to a broader understanding of mangroves as vital blue carbon ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of conservation efforts such as forest restoration and rehabilitation to enhance their role in stabilizing coastal areas and improving global climate resilience.

Changes in land use from high-nature-value grasslands to arable fields reduce the organic carbon stock in soil, increasing atmospheric carbon concentrations. Maintaining grasslands through traditional agricultural techniques can mitigate climate change by transferring atmospheric carbon to the soil. Benefits of soil organic carbon sequestration include improved soil properties and enhanced ecosystem services and biodiversity. With Romania’s ratification of the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to review climate-related agricultural policies and incentivize carbon sequestration practices in organic soils. This paper presents a soil carbon study in Transylvania’s Târnava Mare region, Romania, known for its preserved cultural landscapes. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 60 cm to assess organic carbon pools under grassland and arable land management across three soil classes: Cernisoils, Hidrisoils, and Luvisoils. Several statistical tests were applied to evaluate the most significant drivers of soil organic carbon sequestration including land use, soil class, and soil depth. The results indicate that land management has the largest impact, with grasslands storing 45% more carbon than arable land on average. This finding should be integrated into national climate action plans, prioritizing the preservation of grasslands and sustainable agricultural practices to support soil organic carbon sequestration.