Biomass and Carbon Stocks of Vegetation in the Marginal Uplands in Inopacan, Leyte, Eastern Visayas (Philippines)

Abstract

Marginal uplands are characterized by unproductive soils and low biodiversity. These areas can be a good storage of carbon for climate change mitigation if rehabilitation measures will be done. This study was conducted to quantify the biomass and carbon storage of various plant species growing in the marginal uplands in Inopacan, Leyte. Sample quadrats measuring 2m x 2m were laid-out inside the one hectare experimental plots established in the site. Various species of grasses, herbs and shrubs were identified inside the quadrats. Using destructive sampling, biomass and carbon content in the above-ground (stems and leaves) and below-ground (roots) were determined. Soil samples were also taken for bulk density value and soil organic carbon content. Results showed that the vegetation was dominated by grass, Imperata cylindrical and shrubs namely: Melastoma malabathricum and Chromolaena odorata was 2.34 Mgha-1 and the roots was 2.28 Mgha-1. Carbon stored in the stems and leaves was 1.05 MgCha-1 and roots contained 1.03 MgCha-1. Soils hold the highest percentage of carbon which amounted to 25.93 MgCha-1. The total carbon stocks in the marginal upland in Inopacan was 28.01 MgCha-1.