Carbon Sequestration by Mangrove Forest Planted Specifically for Charcoal Production in Yeesarn, Samut Songkram

Abstract

In Yeesan, Samut Songkram Province, central Thailand, mangrove plantations (R[full generic name]. apiculata) have been run with the specific purpose of charcoal production for many years. In order to estimate carbon sequestration associated with such activities, field measurements of mangrove biomass and the amount of charcoal produced were carried out. The carbon emission reductions according to charcoal use was calculated based on the energy value of charcoal in replacing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). At an age of 12 years old, when it was harvested for charcoal production, the total average above ground biomass of R. apiculata was 9.29kg/tree. The relationship between above ground biomass and diameter (DBH) and height (H) can be expressed as total biomass (ton dry matter) = 0.249x0.79, R2 = 0.97, where x represents the product of (DBH2×H). With an average plant density of 22,089 tree/ha and a carbon content of 47%, the carbon sequestration at an age of 12 years was 140.49 ton C/ha. For other ages, carbon sequestration can be estimated from the logistic growth curve, which is expressed as: Carbon stock (ton C/ha) = 141.56/(1+4.62×103e-1.11t ), R2 = 0.99, where t is the age (years) of R. apiculata. The total carbon sequestration associated with R. apiculata plantations in the whole Yeesarn area was estimated to be 51,106.72 ton C. Based on this biomass production and the charcoal conversion efficiency, about 36 ton/ha of charcoal was produced. In the scenario that this charcoal is used for energy to replace LPG, mangrove plantation and charcoal production in Yeesarn could substitute LPG of about 58TJ/year and 3,633 ton/year of CO2 emissions could be avoided.