Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
PhD Student, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University
3
Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources Research, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Isfahan Province
4
Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Natural Resources Research, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Global warming poses a primary challenge to sustainable development in the 21st century, with significant negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. A key driver of climate change is rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Forests, as natural ecological hubs, play a vital role in absorbing CO₂ and stabilizing the atmosphere. The Zagros forests are crucial for ecosystem conservation and sustainability due to their carbon sequestration capacity. As a pioneer species, wild almond contributes to forest restoration and carbon storage, though research on its biomass and carbon stocks remains limited.
Methodology: This study was conducted in the Kareh-Bas forest habitat, 60 km south of Borujen County and 110 km southwest of Shahrekord City, to evaluate biomass and carbon stock in Prunus arabica Oliv. and Prunus elaeagrifolia Spach. Sample trees were selected across crown cover classes; 15 individuals per species (30 total shrubs) were marked. Quantitative parameters measured included thickest shoot diameter, total height, crown diameter, and number of shoots. Trees were dissected into leaves, trunk, branches, and twigs, with each component weighed using precise digital scales. Samples were lab-processed to determine dry weight and carbon content. Total above-ground biomass was calculated by summing dry weights of all components, and organic carbon percentage was measured via combustion in an electric furnace.
Results: In P. arabica, branches and twigs contributed the most above-ground biomass, while leaves contributed the least. Average above-ground biomass per tree was 22.5 kg, with carbon stock at 10.4 kg. Most stems fell in crown diameter classes <1 m, but biomass was concentrated in stems >4 m diameter. Carbon percentage varied across parts, highest in twigs (47.8%). For P. elaeagrifolia, average above-ground biomass was 28.3 kg per tree, with carbon stock at 13 kg. Highest stem frequency was in <1 m diameter classes, but biomass peaked in 3–4 m crown diameters. Carbon percentage varied significantly, highest in the trunk (46.5%). Between species, biomass allocation differed: twigs dominated in P. arabica, while main branches and trunk dominated in P. elaeagrifolia No significant differences in biomass or carbon storage occurred between the two species.
Conclusion: Biomass and carbon stocks showed no statistically significant differences between P. arabica and P. elaeagrifolia. However, P. arabica exhibited higher values (3.9 tons/ha biomass, 1.9 tons/ha carbon) than P. elaeagrifolia (3.3 tons/ha biomass, 1.5 tons/ha carbon). These differences relate to tree density per hectare and vegetative structure. The findings confirm that structural characteristics and dominant species determine biomass and carbon storage, with density, diameter at breast height, and height as key parameters. Across canopy classes, saplings and small shrubs comprised ~50% of individuals, but trees >3 m canopy diameter accounted for >50% of total biomass and played a major role in carbon sequestration. These results emphasize larger trees' importance for carbon sequestration and the risks posed by human activities like logging and fire.
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