ISRN BotanyVolume 2013 (2013), Article ID 625767, 7 pageshttp://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/625767

Research Article

Relationship between Carbon Stock and Plant Biodiversity in Collaborative Forests in Terai, Nepal

Ram Asheshwar Mandal,¹ Ishwar Chandra Dutta,² Pramod Kumar Jha,³ and Siddhibir Karmacharya¹

¹Tirchandra College, Kathmandu, Nepal²Tribhuvan University Commission, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal³Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal

Received 20 April 2013; Accepted 28 May 2013

Academic Editors: C. Bolle, F. A. Culianez-Macia, J. H. Titus, and J.-K. Weng

Copyright © 2013 Ram Asheshwar Mandal et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) programme has prime concern to carbon stock enhancement rather than biodiversity conservation. Participatory managed forest has been preparing to get benefit under this programme, and collaborative forest is one of them in Nepal. Hence, this research is intended to assess the relationship between carbon stock and biodiversity. Three collaborative forests (CFMs) were selected as study sites in Mahottari district, Nepal. Altogether 96 sample plots were established applying stratified random sampling. The plot size for tree was 20 m × 25 m. Similarly, other concentric plots were established. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height were measured, species were counted, and soil samples were collected from 0–0.1, 0.1–0.3, and 0.3–0.6 m depths. The biomass was calculated using equation of Chave et al. and converted into carbon, soil carbon was analyzed in laboratory, and plant biodiversity was calculated. Then, relation between carbon stock and biodiversity was developed. Estimated carbon stocks were 197.10, 222.58, and 274.66 ton ha⁻¹ in Banke-Maraha, Tuteshwarnath, and Gadhanta-Bardibas CFMs, respectively. The values of Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index ranged 2.21–2.33. Any significant relationship between carbon stock and biodiversity, and was not found hence REDD+ programme should emphasize on biodiversity conservation.

1. Introduction

Halting deforestation single can contribute to reduce about 18% atmospheric CO₂ emission [1]. Thus the forest management has objectively been focused on altering the deforestation and forest degradation targeting to get the benefit from reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) programme in response to climate change [2]. Community managed forests also have been preparing to be candidate under this [3]. Simultaneously, other important part under this programme is biodiversity conservation and promotion.

Deforestation contributes about 5.9 GtCO₂ annually in the world [4]. The current rate of deforestation, clearing tropical forests could release an additional 87 to 130 GtC of CO₂ to the atmosphere by 2100 [5]. In the base year 1994/1995, net emissions of CO₂ from all sectors in Nepal were estimated to be 9747 Gg and from the land-use change and forestry sectors were about 8117 Gg [6].

Collaborative forest is the management of the forests by three different collaborators—district forest office, district development institutions, and users including distant users. The participation of distant users in forest management and benefit sharing mechanism is the key feature of collaborative forests. Though the main purpose of collaborative forest management is to meet the demand of forest products of users, this also offers to store and sequestrate forest carbon simultaneously. Statistically, about 305.11 million ha forest was managed by community based institutions specifically indigenous people in 36 countries, and in Asia-Pacific it was about 146.00 million ha [7]. In Nepal, there are about 17 collaborative forests managing 43445 ha of forests areas. As the carbon stock and biodiversity are intrinsic components in collaborative forests, their assessment is significant. The records of carbon stock and biodiversity are insufficient in collaborative forests, which justify the need of this study.

Approximately 8000 tree species, or 9% of the total number of tree species worldwide, are currently under threat of extinction because of forest decline [8] and impacts of climate change. Deforestation continues at an alarming rate which is consequently affecting the biodiversity in the tropics [9]. So, the climate change, deforestation, forest degradation, and biodiversity are interlinked to each other. Of the world’s total land surface area, Nepal covers only 0.1% but harbors 136 ecosystems, about 2% of the flowering plants, 3% of the pteridophytes, and 6% of bryophytes of the world’s flora, but 8 species are suspected to be extinct, 1 species is endangered, 7 species are vulnerable, and 31 species fall under the IUCN rare species category [10].

Important elements of REDD+ programme include monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) as well as reference emission level (REL) which need sufficient records of carbon stock. Moreover, noncarbon benefit of REDD+ programme has also focused on the biodiversity promotion. Besides, there is another significant growing concern about the relationship between carbon stock and biodiversity: whether working for carbon enhancement through REDD+ programme should include the biodiversity promotion too. Therefore, the research objectives are to assess carbon stock, biodiversity, and their relationship in collaborative forests of Nepal.

2. Material and Method

We selected three collaborative forests, namely, Banke-Maraha, Tuteshwarnath, and Gadhanta-Bardibas CFMs of Mahottari district, Terai (plain areas), which have areas of 2006, 1334, and 1450 ha, respectively. The reason why these forests were selected for this study is because all three are natural forests (Figure 1), and no such studies have been carried out here. Selected collaborative forests are situated at 26° 36′ to 28° 10′ N and 85° 41′ to 85° 57′ E. The average annual temperature ranges 20–250°C, and average annual rainfall recorded 1100–3500 mm. The main species of these forests is Sal (Shorea robusta), and other species are Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Botdhairo (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Harro (Terminalia chebula), and Barro (Terminalia bellirica).

Figure 1: Map of the research site.

2.1. Sampling Design and Data Collection

Stratified random sampling was applied to gather the biophysical data. So, three main strata specifically regeneration, pole, and tree based on stage of the forest were delineated on the map of the study areas.

The pilot sampling was carried out to calculate the number of sample plots [11]. For this purpose at least 15 sample plots were taken from each stratum of collaborative forests. In this context, the diameter at breast height and height were measured to determine the minimum number of sample plots based on coefficient of variance [12]. Hence, altogether, 96 samples were collected, out of this, 32 samples from Banke-Maraha CFM, 33 samples from Tuteshwarnath CFM, and 31 from Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM.

Firstly, sample plots were distributed on each stratum on the map, and the coordinates of sample plots were uploaded in GPS. Secondly, concentric sample plots were established in the field by navigating the GPS coordinates. For tree stratum 20 m × 25 m sample plot was laid out, and nested plots for poles (10 m × 10 m), sapling (5 m × 5 m), seedling (5 m × 2 m) and litter, herbs, and grasses (1 m × 1 m) were laid out simultaneously [13]. Similarly, soil sample plot was laid out at the centre of the plot. The height and diameter at breast height of plants having dbh >1 cm were measured. Then, sapling (5 cm < dbh > 1 cm), seedlings, herbs, and shrubs were counted, and fresh weights of their samples were recorded. Moreover, soil samples were collected from three different depths 0–0.10, 0.10–0.30, and 0.30–0.60 m in order to determine the soil carbon. In addition, the list of tree species was prepared to assess the biodiversity.

2.2. Data Analysis

2.2.1. Calculation of Carbon

It is essential to calculate the forest biomass before determining the carbon except for soil carbon. Therefore, the above ground tree dry biomass (AGTB in kg) was calculated by using [14] for plants dbh >5 cm, where is wood density (g/cc), is the diameter at breast height (cm), and is the height of the tree (m).

Biomass of dbh <5 cm was estimated using Tamrakar’s [15] equation. This equation only provides the fresh weight, so collected samples were dried in the lab at 105°C until samples showed the constant weight: ; whereas AGSB is the above ground sapling biomass (kg), Ln is natural log, and are constants, and DBH (cm) is diameter at breast height. Similarly, samples of seedling, leaf litter, herbs, and grass (LHG) also dried. Moreover, the root biomass was calculated by using root shoot ratio 0.125. The biomass was converted into carbon by multiplying with 0.47 [11]. Carbon content in the soil was analyzed by Walkley Black Method [16]. Bulk density (BD g/cc) = (oven dry weight of soil)/(volume of soil in the corer). SOC = organic carbon content % soil bulk density (Kg/cc) thickens of horizon. Total carbon = total biomass carbon + soil carbon [17].

2.2.2. Biodiversity Calculation

Biodiversity indices were calculated using following formulae. Simpson’s index , where is the total number of all organisms and the numbers of individuals of each individual species. Simpson’s diversity index , where is the total individuals in a species community. Species richness is the number of species in the community or sample. Simpson’s evenness , where is the Simpson’s diversity index and is the species richness. Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index , where is the total individuals in a species community [18].

2.2.3. Relationship between Carbon (Biomass) and Biodiversity

Regression analysis was carried out to find the correlation between carbon stock and biodiversity. For this, only carbon of biomass was used. So, the relationship between carbon and species richness as well as carbon and evenness was developed so that REDD+ policy implication may be worthwhile.

2.2.4. Statistical Analysis

The collected data set of collaborative forests was tested for normality in order to apply one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test by using software SPSS 17. Similarly, the biodiversity differences were also tested using -test [19].

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Comparison of C Stock among Collaborative Forests

Total carbon stock in collaborative forests varied from site to site. It was found that the highest quantity of carbon stock was 274.66 t ha⁻¹ in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM while it was lowest about 197.10 t ha⁻¹ in Banke-Maraha CFM (Table 1). The reason behind it may be due to various effects of drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. Generally, it was found that loggers of Khayarmara village living near to Banke-Maraha CFM illegally trade the timber and firewood. These types of activities are not so common in other CFMs. In addition, uncontrolled grazing and sudden fire also have been affecting the carbon stock in CFMs. Though, no study was carried out regarding the carbon stock in collaborative forests in Nepal, the pilot study done in Kayarkhola Watershed in community forest showed that 276.5 t C ha⁻¹ in the inventory was done in 2011 [20]. It was found different in studies done in Terai Arc Landscape. In the inventory carried out in 2010, there was 206.15 t C ha⁻¹ in government managed forests, 240 t C ha⁻¹ in community forests, and 274.58 t C ha⁻¹ in protected forests. [21]. These results are very close to the findings of this research.

Table 1: Carbon stock in collaborative forests.

Collaborative forests
Above ground C stock  ha⁻¹
Below ground C stock  ha⁻¹
Total  ha⁻¹
Total C

LHG
Regeneration + pole + tree
Root
Soil

Banke-Maraha CFM
4.21
116.72
15.12
61.06
197.10
395398

Tuteshwarnath CFM
3.603
139.8
17.92
61.26
222.58
296927

Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM
6.325
178.88
23.15
66.31
274.66
398268

3.2. Comparison of C Stock Variation in Collaborative Forests

The ANOVA test showed that there was variation in C stock in collaborative forests at 5% significant level.

There was clear variation in mean carbon stocks in each collaborative forest. The Tukey’s HSD showed that the quantity of C stock of Banke-Maraha, Tuteshwarnath, and Gadhanta-Bardibas CFMs varied with each other at 5% level of significant (Table 2).

Table 2: Multiple comparisons of C stocks using Tukey HSD test.

Variation ()
Variation ()
Mean difference ()
Std. error
value

Banke-Maraha CFM
Tuteshwarnath CFM
−25.29*
1.48
0.00

Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM
−72.33*
1.50
0.00

Tuteshwarnath CFM
Banke-Maraha CFM
25.29*
1.48
0.00

Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM
−47.04*
1.49
0.00

Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM
Banke-Maraha CFM
72.33*
1.50
0.00

Tuteshwarnath CFM
47.04*
1.49
0.00

The mean difference is significant at the .05 level.

3.3. Relationship between Species Richness and Carbon Stock in CFMs

The result showed that there was positive but very weak relationship between carbon stock and species richness of collaborative forests. However, it showed nearly hump-shaped relationship (Figures 2(a)–2(c)). The values of of linear regression range from 0.10 to 0.27. Generally, the variation of carbon stock does not depend upon the species diversification. The research done by Karna [22] also supported this idea. He stated that there is positive but weak relationship between carbon stock and biodiversity, though the hump-shaped relationship existed between them [23, 24].

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 2: (a) Relation between species richness and C stock in Banke-Maraha CFM. (b) Relation between species richness and C stock in Tuteshwarnath CFM. (c) Relation between species richness and C stock in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM.

3.3.1. Relationship between Species Richness and Carbon Stock in Banke-Maraha CFM

For more details see Figure 2(a).

3.3.2. Relationship between Species Richness and Carbon Stock in Tuteshwarnath CFM

For more details see Figure 2(b).

3.3.3. Relationship between Species Richness and Carbon Stock in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM

For more details see Figure 2(c).

3.4. Relation between Simpson’s Evenness and C Stock

The result showed weak and negative relationship between carbon stock of collaborative forests and Simpson’s evenness as the values of range from 0.10 to 0.29. However, the opposite hump-shaped relationship was found between them (Figures 3(a)–3(c)). This finding is also supported by the study done by Heather et al. [25].

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 3: (a) Relation between Simpson’s evenness and C stock in Banke-Maraha CFM. (b) Relation between Simpson’s evenness and C stock in Tuteshwarnath CFM. (c) Relation between Simpson’s evenness and C stock in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM.

3.4.1. Relationship between Simpson’s Evenness and C Stock in Banke-Maraha CFM

For more details see Figure 3(a).

3.4.2. Relationship between Simpson’s Evenness and C Stock in Tuteshwarnath CFM

For more details see Figure 3(b).

3.4.3. Relationship between Simpson’s Evenness and C Stock in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM

For more details see Figure 3(c).

3.5. Variation in Biodiversity in Collaborative Forests

The values of biodiversity indices varied according to collaborative forests (Table 3). The Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index was the highest 2.33 in Banke-Maraha CFM, and it was the lowest 2.21 in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM. This indicates that the highest biodiversity was in Banke-Maraha CFM.

Table 3: Biodiversity indices in collaborative forests.

Biodiversity indices
Banke-Maraha CFM
Tuteshwarnath CFM
Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM

Shannon-Wiener Biodiversity Index
2.33
2.28
2.21

Simpson’s index
0.39
0.41
0.44

Average species richness
8.45
8.12
7.94

Simpson's evenness (mean value)
0.85
0.83
0.79

More species diversity was found in the fringe areas of forest types. There are two rivers, namely, Banke river in the west and Maraha in the east. Because of river rain tropical and Shorea robusta mixed forest in Banke-Maraha CFM, it had the highest biodiversity. No management operations except for selection felling have been carried out in collaborative forests. The research done by Sapkota et al. [26] in hill Shorea robusta forest showed that values of Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index were 2.42 and 0.64, respectively, which are close to the value of Shannon Wiener index of Banke-Maraha CFM.

3.6. Comparison of Biodiversity in Collaborative Forests

Statistically, -test showed there was no clear differences in values of Shannon-Wiener indices between Banke-Maraha and Tuteshwarnath CFM, Gadhanta-Bardibas and Tuteshwarnath CFM, and Banke-Maraha and Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM as the -cal < -tab at 5% significant level. So, it can be reasonably confident that there were no clear variation in Shannon Wiener indices value among (i) Banke-Maraha and Tuteshwarnath CFMs, (ii) Tuteshwarnath and Gadhanta-Bardibas CFMs, and (iii) Gadhanta-Bardibas and Banke-Maraha CFMs.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation

The highest quantity of carbon stock was found in Gadhanta-Bardibas CFM while it was lowest in Banke-Maraha CFM. There was positive and very weak relationship between carbon stock and species richness of collaborative forests; it showed nearly hump-shaped relationship. However, the opposite hump-shaped relationship was found between values of Simpson’s evenness and carbon stock. So, it indicated that the forest carbon enhancement cannot assure the biodiversity conservation and promotion. Therefore, the REDD+ programme should have parallel focus on biodiversity conservation and promotion.

Conflict of Interests

The authors report no conflict of interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the chairperson of Banke-Maraha collaborative, Mr. Raghunath Prashad Yadav, for his sincere help in field data collection. They are also thankful to the staffs of district forest office like Ram Ashis Yadavand and Ram Jiban Yadav for their help during the field work.

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