Geostatistical modelling of below- And above-ground carbon stocks of teak stands at different ages

Abstract

Well managed teak stands can contribute towards mitigation of climate change by storing carbon in their solid wood products. However, spatial estimates of teak's potential carbon stocks is lacking in the support of precision forest management. The aim of this study was to estimate the carbon in above- and below-ground biomass of teak stands and predict their spatial variabilities. Tree data were measured biennially in 46 permanent plots of 213 ha, between 2nd and 12th year, in which thinning was performed at 5th, 8th and 11th year. Carbon stocks were estimated using equations, and geostatistical modelling was carried out by semivariance analyses and ordinary kriging method. Above-ground carbon mean values ranged between 2.95 and 59.10 t ha-1, with reduction to 57.61 t ha-1 after third thinning. Minimum and maximum below-ground carbon mean values were 0.67 and 8.06 t ha-1 respectively, decreasing to 7.51 t ha-1 after last thinning. Carbon stocks increased over the years and showed spatial dependence, however, they were influenced by the thinning. Teak stands presented potential carbon stores since the carbon remained in their solid wood products, compared to other species used for energy, pulp and paper. This evidence showed the importance of teak in mitigating climate change.