SPECIES DIVERSITY AND CARBON STOCK OF DECIDUOUS DIPTEROCARP FOREST UNDER THAILAND COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGEMENT
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ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- Although Ban Yod Udom Community Forest is classified as a secondary dipterocarp forest, it shows considerable diversity in woody species.
- Ban Yod Udom Community Forest is dominated by several economically important tree species found in Southeast Asia and Thailand, including Sindora siamensis, Xylia kerrii, and Pterocarpus macrocarpus, as evidenced by their high density, frequency, and basal area values.
- The biomass and carbon stock in Ban Yod Udom Community Forest is lower than that of other deciduous dipterocarp forests in the same region; however, species richness and density are comparatively higher.
ABSTRACT
Sustainable and efficient forest management is widely recognized as an effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary driver of global warming. This study investigated woody species composition and diversity, and estimates carbon stocks in the deciduous dipterocarp forest managed under the community forestry scheme at Ban Yod Udom Community Forest, Sa Kaeo Province, Eastern Thailand. A total of 55 sampling plots were systematically established at 100 m intervals throughout the community forest area. Each plot measured 20 m × 20 m for tree assessment, 4 m × 4 m for saplings, and 1 m × 1 m for seedlings. Species composition and diversity were assessed using density, frequency, dominance, and diversity indices, as well as importance value index (IVI). Biomass was estimated using allometric equations, while carbon stock and carbon absorption were calculated accordingly. A total of 55 species from 26 families were identified, with the Fabaceae family exhibiting the highest species richness, with 9 species. Tree, sapling, and seedling densities were 1,014.09; 4,931.81; and 38,602.94 stems/ha, respectively. Sindora siamensis, Memecylon scutellatum, Xylia kerrii, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, and Lannea coromandelica were identified as ecologically significant trees based on the highest IVI. M. scutellatum was the most dominant sapling, while S. siamensis was the most prevalent among seedlings. The Shannon–Wiener index ranged from 1.31 to 2.16, indicating low diversity. Dominant woody species at various growth stages contributed greater biomass, carbon stocks, and carbon absorption than other species. The total tree biomass in the community forest was 52.26 tonnes/ha, corresponding to a total carbon stock of 24.56 tonnes C/ha and a total carbon absorption of 90.06 tonnes CO2/ha. Saplings contributed a total biomass of 2.98 tonnes/ha, a total carbon stock of 1.40 tonnes C/ha, and a total carbon absorption of 5.13 tonnes CO2/ha. To enhance species diversity and carbon storage in this community forest, it is recommended to increase enrichment planting and implement protective measures, such as wildfire management and regulation of non-timber forest products (NTFP) utilization.
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