Innovative Seed Treatment for Cassia siamea Lam. Germination and Carbon Stock Analysis in Varied Stem Sizes for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

This study investigates seed treatment effects on Cassia siamea germination and assesses carbon stock potential across stem size classes. The germination test involved six treatments, including immersion in various water temperatures and chemical solutions. Carbon stock potential across eleven stem size classes of Cassia siamea was assessed through air drying, oven drying, and ash weight measurements following standardized methods. Results highlight significant variation in germination rates among treatments, with immersion in concentrated H2SO4 showing the highest efficacy. Carbon stock in wood varies significantly across stem size classes. However, regression analysis revealed that there was no significant relationship observed between the wood carbon stock and stem size class of C. siamea. Findings suggest non-linear growth patterns in carbon accumulation, influenced by factors beyond stem size. Insights from this research aid in optimizing seedling establishment and maximizing carbon sequestration potential in Cassia siamea, supporting climate change mitigation efforts through afforestation initiatives. Moreover, implications for sustainable land management, particularly in contexts like roadside tree planting in India, underscore the practical relevance of these findings in combating rising atmospheric carbon concentrations.