Biomass Production, Carbon Stock, and Carbon Sequestration of Dipterocarps at Seedling Stage in Response to Light and Nutrient Availability

Abstract

Presently, there are only a few scientific studies conducted to determine the certified emission reduction (CER) potential of native trees and in promoting the use of dipterocarps in restoring degraded marginal uplands. This study was conducted to determine the biomass production, carbon stock and carbon sequestration potential of dipterocarp seedlings at the hardening stage in the nursery prior to out-planting in response to light and nutrient availability. There were four dipterocarp species used, namely: Shorea contorta, Hopea plagata, Shorea polysperma and Hopea philippinensis. A randomized complete block design between light infiltration and fertilizer application was employed in this study using a total of 144 seedlings. Destructive harvesting was done every month for a period of three months. The results of the study showed that there was a significant (p≤ 0.05) effect of light infiltration on biomass production and carbon stock of S. polysperma and H. philippinensis. However, fertilizer application on biomass production, carbon stock and carbon sequestration of the four dipterocarp species being studied yielded no significant effect.