Spatial analysis and quantification of carbon stock in the forest ecosystems in restoration process (Minas Gerais State, Brazil)

Abstract

Aiming to carry out the spatial analysis and quantify the carbon storage in three different forest ecosystems surrounding the Camargos and Itutinga dams in the State of Minas Gerais, namely, degraded (DE), disturbed (PE) and preserved (CON) ecosystems, equations were applied to the data obtained through the forest inventory. Samples were fractionated into non-woody materials (NWM) and woody material (WM), and soil was collected at depths between 0 and 10 cm, and between 10 and 20 cm in all permanent plots. Geostatistical and kriging methods for map production were applied. According to the results, carbon stocks in the arboreal stratum were 33.52, 47.43 and 42.25 ton.ha-1, and was found low values of carbon stock in the NWM around 3.68 ton.ha-1, 4.62 ton.ha-1 and 2.52 ton.ha-1, both respectively in DE, PE and CON ecosystems. The exponential model was found to be best adjusted for depicting the spatial continuity of carbon stock for the arboreal stratum and soil at depth between 10 and 20 cm. For NWM, WM and the soil, at depths between 0 and 10 cm, the Gaussian model was found to be the best. The highest rates of carbon storage in the arboreal stratum (from 68.71 ton.ha-1 to 102.09 ton.ha-1) were focused in R5 and R1 portions of PE ecosystem. Distribution of carbon stocks in NWM showed homogeneous behaviour while, in WM, spatial distribution occurred irregularly. The largest stock of organic carbon was distributed in R4 area (PE). The carbon presents spatial dependence and data were adjusted to exponential and Gaussian models. Therefore, usage of fast-growing leguminous plants can create conditions and potentialize the restoration process in poor soils, and also promote the carbon stocking.