Carbon Storage Expectations on Swamp Jelutung (Dyera polyphylla Miq. Steenis.) on Peatland for Tackling Climate Change

Abstract

(1) Background: The destruction of peatlands caused by forest fire can significantly damage the ecosystems, flora, and fauna found in forests. Swamp jelutung (Dyera polyphylla) is a tree species that can be planted on peatland and combined with seasonal plants to provide multiple economic and environmental benefits. The aim of this study is to analyze the biomass and carbon stocks above and belowground in stands of swamp jelutung of an age class of 10, 13, and 17 years. (2) Methods: Observation plots were determined based on the age classes of D. polyphylla plants. The plots were determined using a purposive sampling method with a size of 20 m × 5 m with two sample plots in each class of plant age. The biomass calculation measured the diameters of living trees without causing any damage. The understory biomass was obtained by cutting and then placing in a container before weighing and recording the wet weight. The necromass was determined by measuring the diameter and length of all the wood. (3) Results: The amount of aboveground biomass (trees) was divided into 111.73 ton/ha (17 years), 55.96 ton/ha (13 years), and 50.08 ton/ha (10 years) age classes. The root biomass had the highest values of 18.36 ton/ha (17 years), 9.45 ton/ha (13 years), and 9.07 ton/ha (10 years). Meanwhile, the organic C contents in peat soil under stands of D. polyphylla were 33.45% (13 years), 31.32% (17 years), and 26.14% (10 years). (4) Conclusions: D. polyphylla trees play a role in restoring forest ecosystems on peatlands and absorb more CO2 as the trees age. Therefore, they are useful in dealing with climate change.