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Carbon stock assessment of three different forest covers in Panaon, Misamis

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 J. Bio. Env. Sci. 2016

Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)

ISSN: 2220-6663 (Print) 2222-3045 (Online)
Vol. 8, No. 4, p. 252-264, 2016
[Link]

RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Carbon stock assessment of three different forest covers in

Panaon, Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Michelle S. Ebasan, Edgardo C. Aranico, Annielyn D. Tampus, Ruben F. Amparado

Jr*

Department of Biological Sciences Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology,

Philippines
Article published on April28, 2016

Key words: Carbon pools, Allometric equation, Biomass density, Carbon stock.

Abstract
Carbon pools play significant roles in reducing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is one of the identified
greenhouse gases. For climate change monitoring schemes, studies on C sinks are being conducted to estimate
the global C stock inventories. In this study, non-destructive method was used (except for the vegetation) to
assess the C stock of the three different forest covers in Panaon, Misamis Occidental. These three covers are
secondary forest, riparian forest and plantation. Using the mean of the three allometric equations (Brown,
Banaticla and Kenzo), biomass densities of the trees were determined. Carbon stocks were then calculated for
each forest cover. Results showed that secondary forest had a mean tree biomass density of 641.04 MgC/h
(57.53%), mahogany plantation with 280.82 Mg/h (25.19%) and riparian with 192.59 Mg/h (17.28%). The C
stocks estimated on the three forests covers were: 400.57 MgC/h (55.11%), 166.18 MgC/h (22.92%) and 159.70
MgC/h (21.97%) – for secondary, riparian and plantation forests, respectively. In the secondary forest, the
aboveground C stock estimated was 288.47 MgC/h (72.03%) while the soil had 112.04 (27.97%) MgC/h. In the
riparian forest, 86.69 MgC/h (54.28%) is accounted by aboveground biomass while 73.01 MgC/h (45.72%) was
stored in the soil. Meanwhile, in the plantation, the aboveground biomass had C stock of 126.42 MgC/h (75.89%)
while the soil had 40.17 MgC/h (24.11%). The present study could contribute to the Philippine’s growing database
considering the few C stocks assessments done in the country.
*CorrespondingAuthor:Ruben F. Amparado Jrruben_amparado@[Link]

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Introduction including species composition, site conditions,

Increase concentration of greenhouse gases in the disturbances and management practices (Dixon et al.,
atmosphere intensifies earth’s warming due to its 1994). In agricultural areas, C sequestration capacity
radiative blanketing effect and CO2 effectively is enhanced through incorporating agroforestry
increases this radiative energy (Robinson et al., practices (Schoeneberger, 2009). The application of
2007). Following this global warming effect are Carbon sequestration practices offers other benefits
various catastrophes such as floods, droughts, heat aside from reducing the accumulated C in the
waves and tornadoes which possess threats to atmosphere. Such practice is also associated with
humans (Venkataramanan and Smitha, 2011). Thus, biodiversity conservation, soil stabilization and water
there is an enormous need to mitigate such and nutrient retention which in turn beneficial to
phenomena by reducing this greenhouse gases in the local people (Murthy et al., 2013).
atmosphere. Under the article 12 of Kyoto Protocol,
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) mandated Carbon sequestration was already discussed in
some developed countries to meet their obligation in number of literatures worldwide. However, Nair
reducing the GHG emissions by supporting (2011) uncovered the gaps and challenges from the
developing countries to enhance their carbon sinks. system itself down to the methodological approach
Tropical forests are identified to be an efficient and for measuring carbon sequestration. Many literatures
effective carbon sink, thus, an attractive option for also agree on the weaknesses involved on the
CDM (Lasco and Pulhin, 2000). developed carbon estimates usually applied (Chave et
al., 2004; Sarmiento et al., 2005). In this context,
Carbon sequestration is the process of taking up three estimates (Brown, 1997; Banaticla et al., 2007;
carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and Kenzo et al., 2009) in determining the tree biomass
transferring the fixed carbon into the vegetation, density were applied and compared. This study aimed
litters and soils where it will be stored for longer on assessing the Carbon stored in the three different
period of time (Nair, 2012). This important function forest covers (secondary, riparian and plantation
is effectively being carried out by forests which are the forest) in Panaon, Misamis Occidental. Each carbon
main sink of CO2 in the terrestrial system. Trees pool was analysed with regards to the carbon they
sequester carbon at maximum rate on its 10-20 years stored and the possible reasons that brought the
(Johnson and Coburn, 2010) but older stands have differences were also discussed. Additional studies
greater C stocks compared to younger ones (Fonseca exploring new areas of research (this present study)
et al., 2011). The Carbon flow in the forests is, will certainly enrich the growing database for future
however, a continuous recycling process where reference, fill in the data gaps and bring the topic into
carbon is being sequestered and released back in the much wider audience and recognition.
atmosphere through photosynthesis and
decomposition process respectively (Dixon et al., Materials and methods
1994). In many tropical forests, 50% of C is stored in Study site
the aboveground biomass and the other half is stored Misamis Occidental is a province located in the
in its soil counterpart (Dixon et al., 1994). However, northern part of Mindanao. It is separated from
in another study, 74% of the total C is stored in the Lanao del Norte by Panguil bay to the south, from
forest soil (Fonseca et al., 2011). Many studies also Misamis Oriental by Iligan bay to the east, by
showed varied results in the C stock assessment of Mindanao sea in the northeast and bordered
forest C pools (Lasco et al., 2004; Gibbon et al., 2010; Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur in the
Djomo et al., 2011; Saner et al., 2012). This variation west. Since the province is surrounded by bodies of
in C storage in tropical forest is due to several factors water, it has long coastal area. The province also has

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hilly and rolling lands. One of its 14 municipalities is rainfall is 2,698 mm/year and its average
the municipality of Panaon. It is a fifth class temperature is 27.30C/year. The driest month is in
municipality of Misamis Occidental with 16 April and most precipitation falls during November.
barangays. Panaon has tropical climate and has The study area involved three different forest covers
significant amount of rainfall annually. Its average in Panaon Misamis Occidental (Figure 1).

Fig. 1. Map showing sampling areas.

The first site is a secondary forest situated in each of the sampling areas. Two 2000 m2 quadrats
barangay Baga (80 36’ N and 1230 785’ E). It has an were laid out in each forest type and each tree’s DBH
elevation of 256 masl and is estimated to cover 2 ha of inside the quadrat were noted.
the vegetation. The second site is a riparian forest (80
359’ N and 1230 83’ E) located in barangay Villalin Tree Biomass
with the elevation of 19 masl. The third site is a Tree biomass with DBH >5 cm was calculated using
Mahogany plantation (80 36’ N and 1230 82’ E) in the general allometric equation formulated by Brown
barangay Mohon. It has an elevation of 69 masl and (1997):
covers an area of 1.5 ha.
Y (kg) = exp {-2.134 + 2.53 * ln * D}
Methodology Where:
For plot selection, a “nested” sampling approach (Fig. Exp {…} = “raised to the power of”
2) was followed as applied by Hairiah et al. (2001). ln = natural log of (…)
Nested plots suit better to stands with wide range of Y = biomass per tree in kg
diameters and trees growing at different rates D = diameter at breast height
(Pearson et al., 2007). A 200 m2 (5m × 40m) was Tree Biomass Density = Tree biomass/sample area in
established in each of the sampling site. In all forest hectare.
types sampled, trees with DBH (diameter at breast
height) greater than 30 cm were observed thus, bigger However, the use of Brown’s general formula can lead
2000 m2 (20m × 100m) quadrats were established in to overestimation of C stock (Hairiah et al., 2001;

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Labata et al., 2012). Thus, in the study, two other The carbon content of the vegetation and the litter
estimates were employed. Banaticla’s equation from layer was determined at the International Rice
Philippine wood samples was used (Banaticla et al., Research Institute Analytical Service Laboratory
2007) with the following allometric equation: (IRRI-ASL) using the ROBOPREP C-N Biological
Sample Converter. After determining the carbon
Y = 0.342 D 2.073 content, carbon storage was calculated using the
Where: Y = Biomass of the tree formula (Lasco et al., 2006; Labata et al., 2012):
D = Diameter at breast height
C stored (MgC ha-1) = Total dry weight * C content
Another allometric equation derived from the
information taken in the secondary forests in Soil Samples
Sarawak, Malaysia was also employed in the study of The bulk density was determined by collecting
Kenzo et al. (2009) which is as follows: undisturbed soil cores with the soil corer having a
diameter of 5.5 cm and a length of 7.2 cm. Soil sample
Y = 0.1044*D 2.36 was initially air-dried and oven-dried at 102 0C for at
Where: Y = Biomass of the tree least 40 hours or until stable weight. Bulk density was
D = Diameter at breast height computed using the following formula (Patricio and
Tulod, 2010):
Carbon density in tree biomass was calculated using
the following formula with a default value of 45% Bulk density (g/cc) = Oven-dried weight of
(Sales et al., 2004). soil/Volume of soil corer
Where: Volume of soil core = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
C stored (MgC ha-1) = Tree biomass density * Carbon
content. A soil sample of 1 kg from the depth of 0-30 cm was
taken from the sample plot (Hairiah et al., 2001). The
Mean values from the estimates applied were used to soil was sieved through 5-mm mesh screen and was
estimate the C stock or C density of the tree biomass. mixed to uniform color and consistency. A sample of
0.5 kg was taken to the College of Agriculture
Understory biomass and litter layer Analytical Service Laboratory of the Mindanao State
Within the established 200 m2 (5m × 40m) quadrat, University (MSU) - Main Campus for chemical
four 1 × 1 m quadrats and eight 0.5 × 0.5 m quadrats analysis. The analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC)
(Fig. 2) were established for sampling the understory content was determined using the Walkley-Black
vegetation and litter layer respectively (Mcdicken, procedure (FAO, 2002). Carbon density was
1997; Hairiah et al., 2001). Vegetation which had a determined using the following formula (Patricio and
dbh of <5 cm was harvested. The collected plants Tulod, 2010).
were weighed in the field and a sample of about 300 g
was taken for oven-drying. Litter layer was collected Carbon density (Mg ha -1) = weight of soil * %SOC
and a sample of 300g was taken for oven drying. Oven
drying was set at 800C for at least 40 hours or until Where: Weight of soil (mg) = Bulk density * Volume
stable weight was reached. The total dry weight was of 1 hectare
calculated using the following formula (Hairiah et al., Volume of 1 hectare = 100 m × 100 m × 0.30
2001):
Statistical analysis
Data were analysed using Excel 2007 and PAST

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software. Simple descriptive statistics were employed Mean separation was done using the Tukey’s test at
to describe the data gathered. Data were tested for 5% level of significance.
normal distribution using Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis
of variance (ANOVA) was used to differentiate the Results and discussion
biomass estimated out of three allometric equations Stand density, DBH and tree biomass density
applied (Brown, Banaticla and Kenzo), as well as the Among the three forest types, plantation forest had
mean C stocks of the three estimates were computed. the highest stand density of 2,410 trees/h (Table 1).

Table 1. Comparison of stand density and DBH of the three forest types.
Forest type Number of trees/h DBH range (cm) Mean DBH (cm)

Secondary Forest 1,815 1.59-181.53 16.16

Riparian Forest 1,795 1.91-112.10 11.70
Plantation Forest 2,410 1.91-57.32 18.55

This is understandable because compared to the other 18.55 cm. However, it can be observed that it also had
two natural forests, plantation forest is following a the narrowest DBH range of 1.91-57.32 cm. Trees in
certain spacing required for certain species. On the the plantation forest are most likely of the same age
other hand, secondary and riparian forests have resulting to almost uniform DBH. Meanwhile,
almost the same stand density of 1, 815 and 1,795 secondary forest with DBH range of 1.59-181.53 cm
trees/h, respectively. This can be explained by the and riparian forest with DBH range of 1.91-112.10 cm.
random arrangement of trees in these forest types indicates that old stands still exists in the area while
where some patches may only be dominated by younger stands are starting to be established
understory vegetation. Table 1 shows that plantation naturally.
forest was found to have the highest mean DBH of

Table 2. Analysis of variance for the differences in the total and mean tree biomass densities (Mg/h) from the
three allometric estimates among three forest types.
Forest type Brown Banaticla Kenzo F-value P-value
Secondary Forest 6.01a 2.16b 2.42b 5.675 <0.005
Riparian Forest 1.67a 0.80b 0.75b 4.294 <0.02
Mahogany Plantation Forest 1.64a 1.03b 0.82c 47.37 <0.001
Mean 3.11 1.33 1.33
Note: mean values followed by different letters indicate significant difference (Tukey’s test, p<0.05).

Fig. 3 shows the distribution of DBH classes in each were under the DBH class of 1-10 cm, 23% for 10-20
forest type. In secondary forest, the greatest cm DBH class and 6% for 20-30 cm DBH class.
percentage of the trees (71%) was accounted by DBH Meanwhile, in the plantation forest, the distribution
class of 1-10 cm. It was followed by 10-20 cm DBH in each DBH class did not differ widely. The greatest
class composing 12% of the trees. It is important to percentage of 32% are accounted by 20-30 cm DBH
note that 8% of the trees have DBH of 50 cm above class, 27% for 10-20 cm DBH class, 25% for 1-10 cm
which implies that old aged trees, as indicated by DBH class, 14% for 30-40 cm DBH class and only 2%
large DBH, are still present while young trees of the trees have DBH 40 cm above. This variation in
dominated the area. The maximum DBH recorded the DBH classes indicates that the trees are not
was 181.53 cm. In the riparian forest, 63% of the trees planted all at once as reported.

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Table 3. The contribution of DBH classes to the tree biomass densities of the three forest types.
DBH class Tree Biomass Densities Mg/h
Secondary Forest Riparian Forest Plantation Forest Mean Biomass
0-10 7.78 4.68 1.04 4.5 (1.21%)
10-20 8.04 14.74 33.00 18.59 (5.01%)
20-30 15.80 13.68 109.57 46.35 (12.48%)
30-40 9.56 14.83 105.79 43.39 (11.68%)
40-50 29.72 21.56 26.10 25.79 (6.94%)
50 above 570.13 123.08 5.26 232.82 (62.68%)
Total tree biomass 641.04 192.56 280.76 371.45

The choice of allometric equation to be applied can employed, specifically Banaticla (2007) and Kenzo
significantly affect the tree biomass calculation (2009). Banaticla’s estimation was derived from the
(Moore, 2013). Brown’s estimate which is generally destructive sampling of plantations in several parts of
used in calculating tree biomass has been applied in the Philippines (Banaticla et al., 2007) while Kenzo’s
various studies (Lasco et al., 2002; Labata et al., estimation was formulated by sampling the tropical
2011). However, the equation tends to overestimate secondary forest of Sarawak, Malaysia (Kenzo et al.,
tree biomass density (Banaticla et al., 2007; Labata et 2009).
al., 2012). In this study, other two estimates were

Table 4. Aboveground biomass densities of the three forest types.

Forest type Biomass densities in various aboveground C pools (Mg/h) Total biomass density (Mg/h)
Tree biomass Herbaceous layer Litter Layer
Secondary Forest 641.04 0.02 0.02 641.08
Riparian Forest 192.56 0.01 0.01 192.58
Plantation Forest 280.76 0.03 0.03 280.82
Mean 371.45 0.02 0.02 371.49
(99.9%) (0.005%) (0.005%)

Fig. 4 shows the effect of allometric equation applied least sensitive to DBH change. Brown gives the mean
to the tree biomass density. In each allometric estimation of 3.11 Mg/h on the three forests. This is
equation, increasing DBH shows an increase in more than twice Banaticla and Kenzo with equal
biomass estimates (Moore, 2013). It can be noticed mean estimation of 1.33 Mg/h (Table 2). In secondary
that Brown tend to overestimate tree biomass and forest, there’s no significant difference observed
among the three estimates, it is the most sensitive to between Kenzo and Banaticla. However, Brown’s
DBH change as shown in its slope. Meanwhile, estimate of 6.01 Mg/h is significantly higher than the
Banaticla’s estimate can be described as the most Banaticla and Kenzo with estimates of 2.16 and 2.42
conservative estimate (Moore, 2013) which is the Mg/h, respectively.

Table 5. Carbon stored in the carbon pools of the different land covers.
Forest Type C stored in various pools (MgC/h) Total C stored(MgC/h)
Tree Biomass Herbaceous Layer Litter Layer Soil
Secondary Forest 288.47 0.0084 0.0532 112.044 400.57
(72%) (<0.1%) (<0.1%) (27%)
Riparian Forest 86.65 0.0054 0.0328 73.007 159.70
(54%) (<0.1%) (<0.1) (45%)
Plantation Forest 126.34 0.0130 0.0674 40.166 166.59
(76%) (<0.1%) (<0.1%) (24%)
Mean 167.15 0.01 0.05 75.07 242.28
(68.99%) (0.004%) (0.02%) (30.98%)

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The same comparison was also observed in riparian 3) of the trees in the secondary forest had the biomass
forest where Brown’s estimation of 1.67 Mg/h is density of 7.78 Mg/h. The highest biomass density is
higher than Banaticla (0.08 Mg/h) and Kenzo (0.75 attributed by trees with the large DBH, specifically,
Mg/h). For plantation forest, the three estimates 50 cm above. Although such DBH class represents
significantly differ from each other and among the only 8% of the trees, it contributes the highest
three, Brown had the highest estimation of 1.64 biomass among other DBH. These results indicate
Mg/h. that tree biomass in the secondary forest is being
determined by the tree DBH. In the riparian forest,
Table 3 shows that the highest biomass density of from the mean tree biomass density of 192.56 Mg/h,
641.04 Mg/h can be observed in secondary forest. the highest percentage of 123.08 (63.92%) was
570.13 Mg/h (88.94%) of its total tree biomass was estimated from trees with DBH 50 cm and above
accounted by the trees with DBH range of 50 cm which contributed 4% of the trees in the forest. It was
above. This is followed by 40-50 cm DBH class with then followed by 40-50 cm DBH class with biomass
mean tree biomass density of 29.72 Mg/h. However, density of 21.56 Mg/h.
the 0-10 cm DBH class which comprises the 71% (Fig.

Fig. 2. Nested plot sampling design for tree, herbaceous and litter biomass (Hairiah et al., 2001).

The DBH class of 0-10 cm which comprised 63% of the least value of 1.04 Mg/h. The mean tree biomass
the trees in the riparian forest had the lowest biomass of the three studied forest covers is 371.45 Mg/h. The
density of 4.68 Mg/h. Like the secondary forest, the result that 98.79% of the mean biomass is accounted
biomass density was being determined by tree DBH by trees with DBH >10 cm is found to be consistent in
in this forest type. The presence of large trees in the the general pattern of forest biomass where trees with
area greatly affects the total biomass density DBH >10 cm contained ≥96% of the forest biomass
estimation. The estimated biomass density of the (Gillespie et al., 1992 as cited by Lasco et al., 2006).
riparian forest is 192.56 Mg/h. In the plantation The greatest biomass of 232.82 Mg/h (62.68%) is
forest, the biomass densities of trees under the DBH accounted by trees with DBH >50 cm.
classes 20-30 cm and 30-40 cm with values 109.57
Mg/h and 105.79 Mg/h, respectively, are almost the Aboveground biomass densities
same. The DBH class 20-30 cm represented 32% of Table 4 shows that the tree biomass had the mean
the mahogany trees and the 30-40 cm comprised biomass density of 371.45 Mg/h which contributes
14%. It was followed by 10-20 cm DBH class with 99.9% of the total biomass density in the
biomass density of 33 Mg/h. The 0-10 DBH class had aboveground. The herbaceous layer had mean

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 J. Bio. Env. Sci. 2016

biomass density of 0.02 Mg/h accounting 0.005% of of 0.03 Mg/h compared with 0.02 Mg/h in the
the total aboveground biomass. This value is lower secondary forest and 0.01 Mg/h in the riparian forest,
compared to Mt. Makiling which had biomass density respectively. This is because sufficient light can still
of 0.22 Mg/h in the herbaceous component penetrate in the plantation forest floor while the
comprising the 0.04% of the total aboveground closed canopy in the secondary forest limits the
biomass (Lasco et al., 2004). Plantation forest was herbaceous vegetation growth.
found to have the highest herbaceous biomass density

Fig. 3. Effect on biomass density estimates with the allometric equations (Moore, 2013).

The riparian forest had the least herbaceous biomass The highest biomass density of 641.08 Mg/h observed
density (0.01 Mg/h) because compared to the other in the secondary forest is smaller compared to the
two forests types, it is the most disturbed one. It three secondary forest patches in Bukidnon which
served variety of purposes for the residents nearby ranges from 935- 1, 096.42 Mg/h (Patricio and Tulod,
such as for recreation, agriculture and domestic 2010). These secondary forest patches in Bukidnon
purposes. The litter layer had a mean biomass density were assumed to be around a hundred years old and
of 0.02 Mg/h. The order of magnitude in the litter therefore their biomass densities are expected to be
layer is the same with the order in herbaceous high considering the accumulation of biomass with
component. Plantation forest had still the highest age. The result is higher when compared to the tree
biomass of 0.03 Mg/h in the litter layer followed by biomass density of 538.05 Mg/h estimated in Mt.
0.02 Mg/h in the secondary forest and the riparian Makiling forest reserve (Lasco et al., 2004).
with the least value of 0.01 Mg/h. This can be
attributed by the number of trees present in the area. The estimated aboveground biomass density in the
Plantation forest had the highest stand density of secondary forest falls within the range of biomass
2,410 trees/h. This means that more litters can be densities in old-growth forest in the Philippines
inputted by this dense plantation forest compared to which range from 446 to1,126 Mg/h (Lasco et al.,
secondary and riparian forest, respectively. Riparian 2000 as cited by Lasco et al., 2006). This highest
forest with the least stand density of 1,795 trees/h had biomass density estimated in the secondary forest
also the lowest biomass in the litter layer. In general, when compared to the plantation and riparian forest
the highest biomass density in the aboveground can is due to the presence of trees with higher DBH as
be accounted by the tree biomass which is supported shown in Table 2. Logging was strictly prohibited in
by various studies in Philippine forests (Lasco et al., the area, that is why large trees were preserved and
2004; Lasco et al., 2006). these trees continued to accumulate carbon over time.

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Fig. 4. DBH class composition in each forest type.

Following the secondary forest is the plantation (Lasco et al., 2000 as cited by Lasco and Pulhin,
forest. Its biomass density of 280.76 Mg/h is 2009). Riparian forest had the least aboveground
comparable to a 14-year old Mahogany plantation in biomass density of 192.58 Mg/h. It is lower from the
Leyte which had an estimated biomass density of biomass density estimated in several natural forests
282.66 Mg/h (Sales et al., 2004). It is also in the Philippines which is 518 Mg/h (Lasco et al.,
comparable to various mahogany plantations in the 2000 as cited by Lasco and Pulhin, 2009) but is
Philippines with mean biomass density of 264 Mg/h comparable to Acacia mangium plantation in Leyte

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 J. Bio. Env. Sci. 2016

with mean biomass density of 195.84 Mg/h (Lasco et 400.57 MgC/h among the three forest types. This
al., 1999 as cited by Lasco and Pulhin, 2009). The low estimate is quiet high from Lasco et al. (2002)
biomass density estimated in the riparian forest can estimation on the different land use in the Philippines
be attributed by the trees in which 86% have DBH 20 where they estimated 111.1 MgC/h in the secondary
cm and below (Fig. 3). forest. The result, however, is comparable to a
reserved secondary growth forest in Mt. Makiling
Total Carbon Stock with calculated carbon stock of 418 MgC/h (Lasco et
Table 5 shows that the mean carbon stock of 242.28 al., 2004) and the estimated carbon stock of 393 tC/h
MgC/h of the three studied forest types, the highest in Leyte (Lasco et al., 2002). It is also consistent with
carbon stock of 167.15 MgC/h (68.99%) is accounted the carbon stock assessed in the secondary forest
by the tree biomass. The herbaceous layer had mean patches in Bukidnon which ranged from 450-529
carbon density of 0.01 Mg/h which comprise 0.004% MgC/h (Cubillas, 2009 as cited by Patricio and Tulod,
of the total carbon. Lower carbon stock results from 2010). The tree biomass had an estimated carbon
the lower biomass density which can be brought density of 288.47 Mg/h contributing 72% of the total
about by limited availability of sunlight the carbon in the secondary forest. Herbaceous and litter
understory vegetation needed. The mean carbon layer contributed 0.008 MgC/h (<0.1%) and 0.0532
density in the litter layer is 0.05 MgC/h making up (<0.1%) respectively. In the soil pool, a carbon stock
0.02% of the total carbon. Typically, bacteria and of 112.04 Mg/h (27%) was estimated. The organic
fungi in the forest soil breaks down the litters (Liski, carbon in the soil is being used up by plants for their
2004 as cited by Patricio and Tulod, 2010). This could growth, thereby, transferring the carbon from the soil
explain the low carbon stored in litter layers as to the tree biomass (Chan, 2008). Cutting down these
observed in other studies (Lasco et al., 2005; Patricio large trees could create drastic change in the carbon
and Tulod, 2010; Labata et al., 2011) in the country. stock of this forest (Lasco et al., 2004;Lasco et al.,
During decomposition process of litter layer, the 2006) as enormous amount of carbon is being stored
carbon stored in the litter layer is eventually in tree biomass. Next to secondary forest is the
transferred in the soil reducing the carbon stock in plantation forest which had carbon stock of 159.70
the litter layer and increasing the carbon stock in soil MgC/h. It is comparable to a 25-year old mahogany
pool. Meanwhile, the soil carbon pool had the mean plantation in Leyte with carbon stock of 166.59
carbon density of 75.07 Mg/h which comprised MgC/h (Sales et al., 2004). The obtained estimation
30.98% of the total carbon stock. This shows of plantation forest also lies within the range of C
consistency from carbon stock assessment in various stocks analysed from the various plantations in
dipterocarp forests in the Philippines where a carbon Philippines which ranged from 35-264 MgC/h (Lasco
stock ranging from 30-106 MgC/h was estimated in and Pulhin, 2009). From the total C stock of 166.59
the soil pool comprising 31-52% of the total carbon in MgC/h, 126.34 MgC/h (76%) is attributed by the tree
the forest (Lasco et al., 2006). According to Lugo and biomass, 0.01 MgC/h (<0.1%) in the herbaceous
Brown (1992) as cited by Sales et al. (2006), the soil layer, 0.07 MgC/h (<0.1%) in the litter layer and
pool contains at least 30% of total carbon stored in an 40.17 MgC/h (24%) in soil pool. The riparian forest’s
ecosystem. The mean C stock of 242.28 MgC/h in the C stock (159.70 MgC/h) is comparable to the
study is comparable to the unlogged forest in Surigao mahogany plantation in the study with 166.59 MgC/h.
del Sur with C stock of 258 MgC/h, 34% of which is Unlike its upland counterparts, riparian forest
comprised by the soil pool (Lasco et al., 2006) exhibits wide range of physical variability including
comparable with the 30.98% in the present study. the canopy condition and inundation frequency and
generally has lesser dense vegetation (Palik et al.,
Secondary forest had the highest carbon density of 2003). In a study conducted in Donau-Auen National

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Park in Austria for a riparian forest, a C stock of University - Main Campus Marawi City for soil
114.12 MgC/h was estimated (Rieger et al., 2013). analysis.
However, the two values are much lesser compared to
C stock estimated in Danube Floodplain National References
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(Suchenwirth et al., 2012). The tree biomass in the Biomass equations for tropical tree plantation species
riparian forest stored 86.65 MgC/h(54%) carbon, using secondary data from the Philippines. ACIAR
0.005 MgC/h (<0.1%) in the herbaceous layer, 0.03 Smallholder Forestry Project ASEM 200/008
(<0.1) in litter layer and 73.01 (45%) in the soil. The redevelopment of a timber industry following
higher percentage contributed by the soil pool can be extensive land clearing: Proceedings from the end-of
accounted by the lower biomass density in the project workshop, Ormoc City, Philippines, 113-128.
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