Allometric model for estimating above ground biomass and carbon storage in Karankadu mangrove swamp, Palk bay, Southeast coast of India

Abstract

Above ground biomass (AGB) is a tool for estimating carbon storage capacity of plants and hence the estimation methods are crucial. Karankadu mangrove swamp in the Palk Bay, Southeast coast of India is characterized by the presence of young mangrove species <i>Avicennia marina</i> (<i>A. marina</i>). AGB of <i>A. marina</i> in Karankadu mangrove swamp with 10 hectares (ha) plots was estimated using the non-destructive allometric method. Analyses of allometric regression comprised of leaves, branches and stems of <i>A. Marina</i> depend upon the independent variables of diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H) and basal area (BA). Average AGB of <i>A. marina</i> in the Karankadu mangrove swamp was found to be 10.71 t h^-1. <i>A. Marina</i> species amidst in hyper saline conditions effectively captures the atmospheric CO₂ and storing them as biomass in the above ground parts than that of terrestrial ecosystem. Above ground carbon (AGC) content of <i>A. marina</i> trees calculated using AGB values was ranged between 1.15 and 7.92 t ha^-1.