Carbon Storage of Aromatic Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram Provinces

Abstract

            Carbon storage in Thailand’s agriculture limited, particularly in the cultivation of aromatic coconut (Cocos nucifera L. var. aromatic), a significant perennial cash crop in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces. This study focuses on the analysis of aboveground biomass and the amount of carbon stock in the biomass and litter of Cocos nucifera. aromatic grown in organic agriculture in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram. These areas use a raised-bed orchard management system, which is suitable for carbon storage. The resultant data will be used to develop allometric equations for the comparative analysis of above-ground biomass and the quantification of carbon sequestration within agricultural systems. The findings can be directly applied to inform and support agricultural area management, contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) release.

                            The developed allometric equations exhibited the highest accuracy (R² = 0.7356) using the diameter at breast height and height to the first leaf (DBH²Hf) variables. The average carbon sequestration potential in biomass and litter was quantified at 0.1272 tCO₂/rai/yrs. The average carbon storage was quantified as 1.15 tCO₂ within the biomass and 128.29 tCO₂ within the litter. The nine coconut plantations varied in age, with the 5–10year age range exhibiting the highest carbon accumulation rates in biomass, both above-ground and below-ground. However, it was observed that proper plantation management (e.g., the Khok Mho subdistrict) and litter management are likely the primary factors influencing carbon sequestration, more than the number of trees or the age of the plantation. Specifically, leaving litter directly on the planting area yielded the highest carbon storage values, as this practice effectively slows decomposition and subsequently reduces the rate of greenhouse gas emission.