Biomass and Carbon Content Allocation of Six-year-old Anisoptera Costata Korth., nd Dalbergia Cochinchinensis Pierre, Plantations in Lao PDR

The objective of our study was to examine the biomass and carbon contents (including soil) of two six-year-old native species, Anisoptera costata and Dalbergia cochinchinensis. Forest plantation is an important strategy to restore degraded forest ecosystem not only for increasing timber supply, but also for socio-economics, environmental and biodiversity purposes. In addition, forest plantations helps to increase the biomass density and carbon content besides improving soil conditions. Increasing forest plantations can help reduce carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere. In this study, the biomass and carbon contents of trees and soil in plantations were determined. The two species A. costata and D. cochinchinensis, both planted June 2002, were selected for this study. Stem, branch, leaf and root components were measured to obtain biomass and carbon contents. Results of the study showed that a total biomass of 5.63 ±1.23 t ha-1 and 5.42 ±0.94 t ha-1 were accumulated in A. costata and D. cochinchinensis, respectively. Meanwhile, the carbon contents recorded were 2.58 ±0.45 t ha-1 and 2.50 ±0.32 t ha-1 in A. costata and D. cochinchinensis, respectively. However, soil organic carbon content was found to be higher in D. cochinchinensis 0.68 ±0.05% than A. costata 0.57 ±0.02 %. These data will be useful in designing forest plantation for long term management using native tree species.