Phytosociology and carbon sequestration potential of tropical forest landscape: A case from Northwest Chittagong, Bangladesh

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Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024)
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MOHD IMRAN HOSSAIN CHOWDHURY
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong. Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
MEHEDI HASAN RAKIB ♥
Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong. Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract. Chowdhury MIH, Rakib MH. 2024. Phytosociology and carbon sequestration potential of tropical forest landscape: A case from Northwest Chittagong, Bangladesh. Asian J For 8: 126-135. This study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of tree species within Sheikh Russel Aviary and Eco-Park, Bangladesh, emphasizing its contribution to carbon storage and biodiversity. Conducted in 2023, 781 individual trees from 27 families of 35 species were assessed across 18 plots (26×26 meters each) using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) to account for altitudinal variation (top, middle, bottom zones, total of 54 samples from 18 plots). Carbon sequestration was measured through allometric equations, while soil Organic Carbon (OC) was determined using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method. Phytosociological parameters, such as species composition and height class, were analyzed to assess carbon storage. Results indicated that 44.3% of trees fell within the significant height class (12.1-17 m) for carbon sequestration, with Acacia auriculiformis, Tectona grandis, and Gmelina arborea sequestering 18.95, 13.18, and 3.67 tons/ha of carbon, respectively. The average biomass was 102.774 tons/ha, and carbon sequestration averaged 51.387 tons/ha. Soil organic carbon averaged 1.46%, with soil moisture content at 18.73%, indicating favorable growing conditions. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, confirmed significant differences in carbon sequestration across altitudinal zones. Comparison with similar studies demonstrated that the park's carbon storage capacity is comparable to other hilly forests in Bangladesh. This research highlights the park’s role in climate mitigation and suggests adaptive management for enhancing carbon storage and biodiversity. Future studies should include understory vegetation and refined allometric models for a more comprehensive evaluation of its ecological potential.

2017-01-01

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