Carbon Storage Potentials and Soil Characteristics of Casuarina (Casuarina Junghuhniana) Stand in Toraja Highlands, South Sulawesi Samuel A. Paembonan1*, A. S. Soma2, and D. A. Rampisela3
1* Silviculture Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
2 Laboratory of Watershed Management, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
3 Laboratory of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
*Email: paembonansa[at]gmail.com
Abstract
Abstract: Mountain Casuarina (Casuarina junghuhniana) is a species that grows well in the highlands of Toraja with altitudes ranging from 700 m to 1200 m asl. This species has high wood strength and wood durability, and is the main material in the construction of traditional houses of Toraja Community. This study aims to determine the carbon stock of C. junghuhniana and the characteristics of the soil beneath when associated with the age of the stand. Determination of the sample plots using purposive method in plots size of 25 m x 25 m at different ages of stands, namely 5, 12, and 22 years old. Tree biomass and carbon values were calculated using an allometric equation by measuring the tree diameter. The physical and chemical properties of the soil observed included: effective soil depth, soil texture, soil structure, cation exchange capacity, pH, Total N, P2O5 and K2O. The results showed that there was an increase in the average carbon value of trees and stands based on the increasing age of the stands. The average carbon stock of trees at the age of 5 years was 48 kg/tree (13.40 tons/ha), 12 years old was 165.38 kg/tree (37.15 tons/ha), and at 22 years old was 376. 56 kg/tree (93.37 tons/ha). CO2 absorption capacity for Casuarina stands at 5 years old was 49.15 tons/ha, 12 years old was 136.35 tons/ha, and 22 years old was 342.66 tons/ha. There was no significant difference between the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil when associated with differences in age classes. In general, the soil properties found at the three ages of the stand were: Sandy loam to loamy sand soil texture, the structure of rounded clods and angular lumps, acid soil of pH, very low organic matter, low to moderate nitrogen content, low to moderate phosphorus levels, and low to moderate potassium levels.
Keywords: Casuarina junghuhniana, carbon stock and sequestrations, soil physical and chemical properties, climate changes.
Topic: Topik D: Climate change impacts for biodiversity
