Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

CARBON STOCK OF DIFFERENT LAND USE SYSTEMS

Felix T. Cancio, Treaseur B. Susulan, Charlyn T. Gorgonio, Jollibee O. Marilla and Guillermo B. Bonghanoy

Abstract

Global warming is the escalation of the earth’s average temperature due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons. The biggest contributor to global warming is carbon dioxide and decreasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the use of enhanced land management practices is evidently a recognized technology. This study aimed to generate data on the amount of carbon stock in three different land-use systems which are agroforestry, forestry, and agriculture. It also aimed at determining which among the three different landuse systems possess the greatest carbon stock. The research design employed was a descriptive survey method. The methods utilized include the gathering of litters, herbaceous vegetation, measurement of trees at diameter breath height, and soil sampling. The forestry system (mahogany plantation) has the highest total carbon stock, followed by agroforestry system (Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology - SALT 3) and lastly is the agricultural system (mango farm). Carbon was accumulated in the different carbon pools in the succeeding order of magnitude: soil (45-72%) > trees (9-68%) > litters (0.05-0.51%). The amounts of carbon stock of the three different land-use systems in their soils, trees, and litters except for herbs are significantly different from each other utilizing the ANOVA at 5% levels. The findings also affirmed that planting trees especially large ones can make a difference in diminishing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Most importantly, wise utilization of our finite land resources is vital for our continued survival.