Non-destructive derivation of biomass and carbon stock of wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.)

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Assistant Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shahrekord, Iran

3 Associate Prof., Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

This study was carried out to derive biomass of wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) and carbon stock based on non-destructive method in the Lordegan forests of Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari province. Initially 18 samples (with 1000 m2 area) and 18 trees including six diameter classes were randomly selected, for which a number of quantitative characteristics were measured for all trees. Moreover, leaf and fruit biomasses were measured using direct method. The biomass estimation of the crown and trunk was conducted by measuring the actual volume and the specific gravity of the crown and trunk. In addition, litterfall biomass was estimated by 0.5 m2 samples. The results showed the amount of above-ground carbon stock of pistachio to be 5.48 tons per hectare in the study area. Moreover, the smallest and largest amounts of carbon sequestration were found for fruits tree trunks, respectively. Litterfall carbon stock was also estimated at ca. 0.63 tons per hectare. Therefore, 112118 tons of CO2 were absorbed by the wild pistachio trees in the study area. Based on the economic and ecological importance of wild pistachio trees in reducing atmospheric carbon and by additional emphasize on the valuable role of pistachio trees in the natural ecosystem of the Zagros, the results of this study can play an important role in the management of conservation and restoration.

Keywords


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