Species Composition and Carbon Stock Potential of Trees at DEBESMSCAT Main Campus, Mandaon, Masbate

Abstract

This study assessed the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass (AGB) of the tree species and the carbon sequestration potential of the tree species covering an area of 112 hectares of the DEBESMSCAT Main Campus. A total of 27 sample plots, each measuring 20 m × 20 m, were established within the study area using a completely randomized sampling method. Plot locations were determined by generating random coordinates within the latitude and longitude boundaries of the site. Within each plot, all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 10 cm or greater were identified and recorded. A total of 82 different tree species were found, with 908 individual trees split into 57 native and 25 exotic species covering 27 plots.  The study resulted in an estimated above-ground biomass of 284,378.91 kg and a carbon stock of 127,970.49 kg, and can potentially sequester a total of 469,651.78 kg carbon.  It was found that the Swietenia macrophylla species has the most significant amount of sequestered carbon of 64,052.14 kg, followed by Mangifera indica and Samanea saman with   57876.28 and 36712.64 kg, respectively. These findings underscore the significant role of the tree species at DEBESMSCAT Main Campus in carbon sequestration, as they possess substantial above-ground biomass and carbon storage potential. Overall, the results contribute meaningfully to the broader discourse on carbon sequestration and environmental conservation. By highlighting the carbon sequestration capacity of tree species within the campus ecosystem, the study offers valuable insights to inform future conservation efforts and climate change mitigation strategies.