Growth and carbon stock assessment of different aged mahogany plantations in hilly zone of Karnataka

Abstract

Swietenia macrophylla is an economically important tree species. Its moderately fast growth and adaptability to different environmental conditions and good economic returns has made it a popular tree species in Karnataka. The present study aims to know the growth and carbon sequestration of mahogany tree in hilly zone of Karnataka. Twenty-five trees selected from each age gradation of one and half year to four and half year old were selected and evaluated for the growth and carbon estimation. A significant difference is observed among one and half year to four and half year-old mahogany trees for growth parameters such as height (2.73 to 5.11 m), GBH (10.80 to 28.04 cm) and the volume (2.20 to 24.18 m3/ha). Growth pattern of mahogany showed an increasing trend with tree age. Carbon sequestration also varied with tree age. Maximum carbon sequestered by four and half year-old plantation (8.07 t ha-1) compared to the rest.