Carbon sequestration potential of coconut
Soora Naresh Kumar
I have just gone through the mail box and found there were quarries
reg. carbon sequestration potentials of coconut. At CPCRI we have
quantified such estimates and one can find them in the latest ICAR
reporter. Howerevr, I would like to give figures here.
Carbon sequestration potential of coconut plantations
Carbon trade is one of the most important aspects of Clean Development
Mechanism. Studies were conducted in different agro-climatic zones to
estimate the carobon stocks and sequestrations by coconut mono-crop.
The standing biomass and annual biomass production in coconut is
estimated using non-destructive methods. The net primary production
(NPP) estimations of coconut monocrop in different agro-climatic zones
indicated annual carbon sequestration potential of coconut above
ground biomass ranged from 8 t CO2/ha to 32 t CO2/ha depending on
cultivar, agro-climatic zone, soil type and management. The standing
carbon stocks were ranged from 18 t CO2/ha to 51 t CO2/ha . Annually
sequestered carbon stocked in to stem in the range of 0. 3 to 2.3
CERs; Annual C sequestration by coconut plantation is higher in red
sandy loam soils and lowest in littoral sandy soils.
Coconut simulation model was used to simulate the outputs on the net
primary production of coconut in it economic life span of 60 years.
Estimates indicate long term (~60 years) carbon stocking in stem is
more than 150 t CO2/ha or even more . Simulations further indicated
that the nut yield stored carbon in short to medium duration (~2 to 5
years) and is estimated to be around 1350 t CO2/ha during the entire
economic life span of coconut. Further, carbon storage in leaf and
inflorescence, which again is for short to medium duration (2-3
years), is estimated to be around 1000 t CO2/ha in entire span of
coconut economic life of 60 years. These estimated indicate coconut
as an important candidate of carbon sequestration for carbon trade in
Clean Development Mechanism.
Dr. S. Naresh Kumar, Senior Scientist -Plant Physiology
CPCRI, Kasaragod, India
nareshku...@gmail.com
snk...@yahoo.com
velamoor rajagopal
Dear Naresh,
Thank you for the most useful information on CO2 seq.
enquired by PK Thampan. It is going to be an important
area we have to further pursue. When I was there I
wanted to discuss in detail with you. I may be
provided with the copy of the ICAR reporter where the
info on this aspect has been covered. You may also
send me the details of calculation so that I can
understand better and work on that with your help to
project the CO2 seq on India level taking coconut area
into consideration. I am particularly happyy that you
have been able to address the issues on climate
change. Rest in next.
God bless you all.
V.rajagopal
--- Soora Naresh Kumar <nareshku...@gmail.com>
wrote:
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PK Thampan
It is good that CPCRI has done studies on carbon sequestration potential of
coconut palm, the details of which have been provided by Dr. Naresh Kumar.
The growing coconut palm assimilates more carbon dioxide during day time in
the process of photosynthesis than they release in darkness through
respiration.Only the excess carbon dioxide assimilated is sequestered as
stored carbon in the woody biomass and not all the carbon dioxide
assimilated. The coconut palms also enrich the carbon content of the soil
occupied by them through the regular addition of organic debris particularly
dead and decaying root tissues, the root exudates etc.
It is important to estimate the annual biomass production of coconut palms
per hectare. About 45% of this could be taken as the sequestered carbon.
Similarly the annual accretion to the soil carbon stock. The carbon
sequestration would, however, depend on the health and growth rate of trees
and the replanting cycle adopted.
While young and growing palms are capable of net absorption of of carbon
dioxide, mature palms with little growth do not sequester additional carbon
as their assimilation during day time normally equals their emission during
night. When the palms become overmature, they probably become net emitters
of carbon dioxide as their absorption during day time is less than the
quantity emitted in respiration.If coconut palms are to function as
effective sink of carbon, they are to be replanted before they reach full
maturity (is it 60 years or more that that?) to maintain a healthy and
vigourous growing stand of palms continuously.Perhaps a regular system of
underplanting will also serve the purpose.
Coconut palms also permit the growing of miscellaneous tree species as
companion crops. In such a cropping system the carbon sequestration
potential per hectare annually will be much higher than that of a monocrop
of coconut palm.To what extent coconut monocropping and coconut-based
agroforestry qualify for carbon trading has to be examined on a priority
basis.
Yours Sincerely,
P.K.Thampan
President
Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation
Gandhi Nagar, Kochi-682 020, Kerala, India.
velamoor rajagopal
Dear members,
The points raised by PK Thampan based on the info
provided by Nareshkumar on C sequestration are valid.
We will be able to work on the areas as there is a
project on climate change in CPCRI with Naresh.
V.Rajagopal
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