Estimation of above-ground biomass and sequestered carbon at two elevations in a tropical forest in Tingo María, Peru

Abstract

Climate change is one of the main ecological issues worldwide, and to understand its impacts, it is essential to analyze above-ground biomass and sequestered carbon in tropical forests, as well as their role in climate change mitigation. The objective of the study was to determine the above-ground biomass and sequestered carbon in two development categories (stem tree and mature tree) and at two elevations (lower hill and upper hill) of a tropical forest in the central Peruvian Amazon, based on species diversity, tree density, wood density, and forest structure (Mi, Wi, Ui, CD, and CV). The study was conducted in two permanent measurement plots located at different elevations. Data collection was carried out using the Field Map Data Collector program on a laptop computer. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and total tree height were measured in individuals classified into two developmental categories: "stem trees" and "mature trees." Higher values of species diversity, tree density, uniform angle index (Wi), and dominance index (Ui) were recorded at the lower elevation (low hill). In contrast, the upper elevation (high hill) exhibited greater values for crown diameter (CD), crown volume (CV), species mingling index (Mi), average and total above-ground biomass, as well as average and total sequestered carbon. In conclusion, the study found that elevation, developmental category, species diversity, and tree density significantly influence the amount of sequestered carbon.