Profiles of Carbon Stocks in Forest, Reforestation and Agricultural Land, Northern Thailand

background

This study evaluates the difference in above-ground and below-ground carbon stock between forest, reforestation, and agricultural land in northern Thailand.

Research Goals & Methods

The reforestation site was planted in 1979 with four native species (Acacia catechu, afzelia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Tectona grandis) and two exotic species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Gmelina arborea). The forest land has been protected from logging for over 50 years. The agricultural areas include fallow land, orchards, paddy fields, and corn fields.

Conclusions & Takeaways

For both above-ground biomass, soil organic carbon, and fine root carbon, the reforestation area was significantly higher than agricultural area and significantly lower than forested area. The results of this study confirm that land conversion from forest to agriculture greatly reduces the carbon storage in an area. Reforestation of agricultural areas can have significant benefits for carbon storage, but still do not equal the value of conserving forests in the first place.