Assessment of Carbon Sequestration from Mangrove Forest Structure: A Case Study of Khlong Tamru Subdistrict, Chonburi Province

Abstract

Mangrove forests are highly effective carbon sequestration ecosystems capable of significantly reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. This study aimed to investigate the vegetation structure to assess carbon storage in sample plots at the Mangrove Forest Conservation Learning Center, Khlong Tamru Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chon Buri Province. Data was collected from five main plots, each measuring 10x50 meters, with 10x10 meter subplots established within them. All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 4 centimeters were measured. Sampling was conducted twice: in October 2022, representing the rainy season, and in March 2023, representing the dry season. The study found that the dominant tree species in the area were Avicennia alba, predominantly found along the coastline, and Avicennia marina, more common near the community. The mangrove forest structure was divided into two main zones based on the area's characteristics. Plant communities in stations 1 to 3, located on the coast, were dominated by Avicennia alba. In contrast, plant communities in stations 4 and 5 were dominated by Avicennia marina. The area adjacent to the coastline predominantly consisted of large and young trees, with the highest frequency of trees having a diameter greater than 4 centimeters. The area adjacent to the community showed a significant presence of large trees, young trees, and saplings of Avicennia marina, particularly noticeable during low tide, with most trees having a height not exceeding 5 meters, representing the highest frequency. Analysis of carbon storage in mangrove forests revealed that the dry season had the highest carbon storage at 94.1 tons of carbon per hectare, followed by the rainy season with 63.9 tons of carbon per hectare. The findings of this study can serve as baseline data for mangrove forest conservation, the development of natural resource management strategies, and application in remote sensing surveys to reduce costs and enhance the efficiency of carbon sequestration and mitigate the impacts of future global warming.