Estimation of carbon stock and sequestration potential in Riverine Forests of Sukkur, Sindh
Estimation of carbon stock and sequestration potential in Riverine Forests of Sukkur, Sindh
Anwar Ali, Muhammad Ayaz Khan and Ayaz Khan Marwat
ABSTRACT
Quantification of forest carbon stocks has gained momentum after emergence of REDD+ as a promising option for climate change mitigation. Forest carbon inventory in the riverine forests of Sukkur was conducted during January-March, 2018. Data was collected from 751 sample plots using a systematic random sampling technique. The total carbon stock in the study area is 303,110 tonnes. Out of this 81% is in the soil, 10% in aboveground biomass, 6% in belowground biomass and 3% in litter. Mean carbon density was estimated as 41.55 t/ha in the landscape. Mean aboveground carbon density was determined at 4.60 t/ha. Mean belowground carbon stock was estimated at 2.57 t/ha. Litter carbon was estimated as 1.42 t/ha. Dead wood was found to be a non-significant pool of carbon in the riverine forest ecosystems. Average organic soil carbon was estimated at 31.95/t. There is a potential of carbon sequestration upto 20 tCO2/ha/year in this highly fertile landscape. This can be achieved with sustainable forest management practices and effective policy measures. The study recommends to initiate reforestation programs on urgent basis and stop open grazing and illicit cutting for the rehabilitation of these valuable forests.
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March 2018
Vol. 68, Iss. 1
