A Comparative Study on Carbon Sequestration potential Of Teak Plantations in the interior and exterior Location of Thithimathi Forest

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most widely cultivated tropical hardwood species, valued for its durability, versatility, and economic importance. Despite extensive plantation programs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, limited studies have quantified carbon cycling in teak forests. This study investigates biomass variation and carbon sequestration in teak plantations at interior and roadside locations of the Thithimati forest, India. Using plot-based measurements of tree height and girth, basal area, standing volume, above- and below-ground biomass were estimated, followed by carbon stock and carbon dioxide sequestration calculations. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and independent t-tests, revealed significant differences between the two plantation types. Results showed that interior forest plantations exhibited higher basal area (1.33 m²), volume (241.40 kg/m³/ha), total biomass (147,160 kg/ha), and carbon sequestration (73,580 kg/ha) compared to roadside plantations (0.45 m², 67.51 kg/m³/ha, 82,308 kg/ha, and 20,577 kg/ha, respectively). The findings highlight the superior carbon storage potential of interior teak plantations, emphasizing their role in climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management. This study provides quantitative insights into carbon cycling in teak plantations and underscores the importance of site-specific management strategies to maximize ecological and economic benefits.