Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Assessment of Carbon Sequestration Potential in Degraded and Non-Degraded Community Forests in Terai Region of Nepal

  • Joshi, Rajeev (Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be) University) ;
  • Singh, Hukum (Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division, Forest Research Institute) ;
  • Chhetri, Ramesh (Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be) University) ;
  • Yadav, Karan (Department of Forestry, HNB Garhwal University)
  • Received : 2019.10.01
  • Accepted : 2019.12.04
  • Published : 2020.06.30
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Abstract

This study was carried out in degraded and non-degraded community forests (CF) in the Terai region of Kanchanpur district, Nepal. A total of 63 concentric sample plots each of 500 ㎡ was laid in the inventory for estimating above and below-ground biomass of forests by using systematic random sampling with a sampling intensity of 0.5%. Mallotus philippinensis and Shorea robusta were the most dominant species in degraded and non-degraded CF accounting Importance Value Index (I.V.I) of 97.16 and 178.49, respectively. Above-ground tree biomass carbon in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 74.64±16.34 t ha-1 and 163.12±20.23 t ha-1, respectively. Soil carbon sequestration in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 42.55±3.10 t ha-1 and 54.21±3.59 t ha-1, respectively. Hence, the estimated total carbon stock was 152.68±22.95 t ha-1 and 301.08±27.07 t ha-1 in degraded and non-degraded community forests, respectively. It was found that the carbon sequestration in the non-degraded community forest was 1.97 times higher than in the degraded community forest. CO2 equivalent in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 553 t ha-1 and 1105 t ha-1, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between degraded and non-degraded community forests in terms of its total biomass and carbon sequestration potential (p<0.05). Studies indicate that the community forest has huge potential and can reward economic benefits from carbon trading to benefit from the REDD+/CDM mechanism by promoting the sustainable conservation of community forests.

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References

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