Carbon sequestration of Caesalpinia platyloba S. Watt (Leguminosae) (Lott 1985) in the tropical deciduous forest

Norma Diaz-Gustavo, Martín Martínez-Salvador, José Luís García-Hernández, Mariano Norzagaray-Campos, Antonio Luna-González, Héctor Abelardo González-Ocampo

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Abstract

Caesalpinia platyloba was evaluated as an alternative for the retention of atmospheric carbon and as a feasible and viable economic activity in terms of income for tropical deciduous forest (TDF) peasants in the carbon markets. A total of 110 trees of C. platyloba from plantations and a TDF in the Northwest of Mexico were sampled. Growth (increase in height, diameter, and volume curves) was adjusted to assess their growth. Growth of individuals (height, diameter at breast height [DBH], age, and tree crown cover) was recorded. The Schumacher model (H = β0eβ1·E-1), by means of the guided curve method, was used to adjust growth models. Information analysis was made through the non-linear procedure with the multivariate secant or false position (DUD) method using the SAS software. Growth and increase models revealed acceptable adjustments (pseudo R2>0.8). C. platyloba reaches >8m of height with 12cm in diameter and 550cm3 of volume, presenting the highest increase at 11 years considered as basal age. Highest significant density of wood was in good quality sites (0.80g·cm-3), with a carbon content (average of 99.15tC·ha-1) at the highest density of 2500 trees·ha-1 (without thinning). Average incomes of US$483.33tC·ha-1 are expected. The profitability values (NPW = US$81,646.65, IRR = 472%, and B/C = 0.82) for C. platyloba make its cultivation a viable and profitable activity, considering a management scheme of the income derived from wood selling and from carbon credits.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0125478
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 May 2015

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