Estimation of biomass and carbon sequestration in various forms of Quercus brantii Lindl. stands in Balout Boland, Dehdez

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc. Student of forest ecology and silviculture, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of technology, I.R. Iran.

2 Associate professor of forestry, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of technology, I.R. Iran.

3 Associate professor of rangeland management, Faculty of Natural Resources and earth Science, University of Shahrekord, I.R. Iran.

4 Ph.D. Student of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and earth Science, University of Shahrekord, I.R. Iran.

5 Assistance professor of forestry, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of technology, I.R. Iran.

Abstract

Biomass and carbon sequestration potential is one of the most important benefits of trees in forest ecosystems. This research was done to estimate the amount of biomass in individuals and coppice forms of Quercus brantii Lindl. in Balootboland forests near the Dehdez, Khozestan province. Grid dimensions were selected 100 × 100 m and the nearest tree to a sampling point was chosen. Selected trees should include all diameter classes of high forest or individual trees and all crown diameter classes of coppice if possible. Totally 18 individuals were selected and their quantitative parameters were recorded. Cutting and separating operations were then performed. Different parts of trees were immediately weighted after cutting in the field and sampling was performed to measure the dry weight and the amount of carbon sequestration. According to the results, there was no statistically significant difference between the biomass in two forms of growths. The average biomass of above ground for each tree was approximately determined 277kg and 230kg in form of individual tree and coppice, respectively. These amounts in the stands for individual and coppice forms were estimated 18.2 and 9.3 tons per hectare, respectively. According to the results, large organs (trunk and branches) and small parts (twigs and stump) have more carbon sequestration potential in individual and coppice forms, respectively. The highest and lowest amount of carbon was stored in branches and leaves, respectively.

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