Carbon content in shrub-tree species of the Caatinga

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the carbon content (C) in stem, leaves and thin and thick branches of eight species in an area of Caatinga, municipality of Floresta, Pernambuco, Brazil. To do so, dry biomass samples of at least 15 trees distributed into five diametric classes collected from the study area and fractionated in laboratory were used for each of the eight evaluated species. Carbon content was determined using CHNS/O elemental analyzer. Average carbon content of 46.4% is recommended for Anadenanthera colubrina, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Bauhinia cheilantha, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Mimosa ophthalmocentra and Mimosa tenuiflora, without need for specific values for each compartment. Croton heliotropiifolius and Poincianella bracteosa require distinct values per compartment for individuals in order to avoid trends in carbon stock estimates.