Derivation of allometric equations and carbon content estimation in mangrove forests of Malaysia
Waseem Razzaq Khan, Michele Giani, Stanislao Bevilacqua, Shoaib Ahmad Anees, Kaleem Mehmood, M. Nazre, Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Haddy, Abang Norizan Bin Abang Median, Japanie Bin Bujang, Fatin-Norliyana Mohamad-Ismail, Johar Mohamed, Zaiton Samdin, Rambod Abiri, Tuan-Marina Tuan-Ibrahim, Lydia-Suzieana Mohammad, Hamid-Reza Naji, Seemab Akram, Hazandy Abdul Hamid, Timothy Dube
Abstract
Mangrove forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, yet comprehensive data on their carbon storage capacity in Malaysia remain limited. This study investigated allometric relationships and carbon content in Malaysian mangrove forests, aiming to develop site species-specific allometric equations, determine carbon content in tree components, and assess total carbon stock. Research was conducted in four compartments of the Sg. Pulai Permanent Reserved Forest, representing a mixed-species mangrove stand. We measured 1403 trees across ten species, with Rhizophora apiculata identified as the dominant species. Using diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height, we developed site species-specific allometric equations to estimate aboveground biomass. The total aboveground biomass ranged from 183.30 t ha⁻ 1 to 187.06 t ha⁻ 1 across the study area. We calculated the total carbon stock at 91.01 t C ha⁻ 1 , incorporating measurements from trees below 5 cm in diameter, dead and downed wood, and litter. An economic valuation of carbon storage was conducted using two approaches: the social cost of carbon method estimated a value of USD 4054.76 per hectare. In contrast, the market price approach yielded USD 1064.34 per hectare. This study provides essential data for improving biomass and carbon stock estimation methods in Malaysian mangrove ecosystems. Our findings highlight these forests' economic and ecological importance, supporting their integration into climate change mitigation strategies and informing sustainable management and conservation policies for mangrove forests in Malaysia and similar regions. • Study focused on carbon storage in Malaysian mangrove forests. • Developed species-specific allometric equations for biomass estimation. • Total aboveground biomass ranged from 183.30 to 187.06 t ha⁻ 1 . • Total carbon stock measured at 91.01 t C ha⁻ 1 in the study area. • Economic valuation: USD 4054.76 (social cost), USD 1064.34 (market price).