Carbon Sequestration Potential of Kapok ( Ceiba Pentandra) Plantations in Theni District of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Kapok (Ceiba pentana) is the most important agroforestry tree species and it occupies major area under plantations in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. In addition its value for silk cotton, it also plays an important role in storing carbon. To assess the carbon sequestration potential, the study has been carried out to estimate the carbon storage in different tree parts of Ceiba pentana at different age groups. Carbon sequestration potential was estimated through destructive felling method. Oven led biomass samples were ground in a Wiley Mill and carbon content in different tree components was estimated by ash method. There was slight variation in carbon content between age groups and considerable difference between various parts of the tree. The wood contained around 44.7 per cent, leaves around 36.4 per cent, branches around 41.5 per cent and the roots around 42.5 per cent of carbon. It was found that 38.7 ton carbon per hectare is stored by a 12 years old kapok plantation. AGRES software was used to compute the results.