Carbon storage in total and soil biomass in a teak plantation (Tectona grandis L.f.) in Balancan, Tabasco

Abstract

Objective: To estimate carbon storage in young teak plantations in total biomass, dry litter, and soil due to the effects of chemical fertilizers and green manure (GM).

Methodology: The experimental design was completely randomized. At two years of age, chemical fertilizer (CF) (NPK) treatments were applied: control 0-0-0, 60-60-60, 90-60-60, and 120-60-60 kg ha-1. At three and four years of age, treatments 0-0-0, 120-60-60, 150-60-60, and 180-60-60 kg ha-1 were used. Crotalaria juncea was used as green manure (GM).

Results: Significant differences were found in the interactions between CF and AV on total biomass at both ages, 3.2 and 4.7 years. The highest results were found in the control without AV and the 180-60-60 kg ha-1 and AV treatments. No significant differences were found in litterfall. At 3.2 years of age, the plot without AV and the 90-60-60 kg ha-1 dose showed the greatest increase in carbon storage, and at 4.7 years, the control with AV. Significant differences were found in soil carbon storage (SOC), with an increase of 166.32 t C ha-1 with the 150-60-60 kg ha-1 treatment.

Conclusion: Total biomass at 3.2 years of age can store 35.05 t C ha-1. Carbon in litter increases with the dose of chemical fertilization. A greater amount of carbon is stored in the soil than in above-ground and below-ground biomass and litter.