Tropical Forestry Practices for Carbon Sequestration

Background

Carbon sequestration through forestry has the potential to play a significant role in ameliorating global environmental problems such as atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases and climate change. This chapter provides an overview of various aspects related to carbon sequestration through forestry.

Research goals & methods

Carbon fixation in a forestry context primarily occurs through aboveground woody biomass, belowground root biomass, and the conversion of leaf litter into soil organic matter. Plantation types including monoculture, mixed-species plantation, and enrichment planting all have benefits and tradeoffs, depending on location and conditions, for carbon fixation. The Innoprise-Face Foundation Rainforest Rehabilitation Project is discussed as a case study. The objective of the project is to carry out rehabilitation of 25,000 ha of logged forests by enrichment planting using indigenous tree species such as dipterocarps, fast growing pioneers and forest fruit trees.

Conclusions & takeaways

Although carbon sequestration is a high priority of reforestation projects in both temperate and tropical areas, forest management methods for optimal carbon fixation are still a subject of debate. Appropriate methods for quantification and national and international regulations are also variable.