Carbon sequestration potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta

¹ Research Center for Sustainable Production and LCA, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
² Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: dian.pratiwi@brin.go.id

Abstract

Indigenous tree species play an important yet underestimated role in tropical ecosystems’ carbon sequestration, mitigating global climate change. Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum), an indigenous tree species, is studied for its carbon sequestration capacity in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an environmentally diverse location. Our comprehensive investigation included aboveground and belowground biomass, soil carbon concentration, and understory carbon content. The study found that tamanu stands can store carbon in their biomass, understorey, and soil, i.e., 54.2, 0.5, and 64 tons/ha, respectively. It was also shown that soil stores the most carbon because the Tamanu planted in this study area is still relatively young and has a relatively large space. This study also revealed the understory plants’ often overlooked role, increasing these ecosystems’ carbon sequestration capability. The need for comprehensive conservation programs considering carbon storage above and below ground is highlighted. The above discoveries contribute to creating efficient local climate mitigation policies and the global effort to combat climate change.