Biomass Stock Estimation in Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus tereticornis Plantations: An Eco- Sustainable Approach in the Bankura North Forest Division

Abstract

The best-suited tree species for afforestation need to be identified based on their carbon sequestration potential. Hence, this study attempts to identify appropriate planted tree species by estimating their biomass in the Bankura North Forest Region. The natural Sal forests in the region have faced severe deforestation in the past, and recent plantation drives of Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus tereticornis represent an attempt to replenish the resulting loss. Their biomass was calculated using non-destructive methods based on allometric equations. Subsequently, the relationship between stand structure and the allometric components of trees was assessed. The total biomass stock of the plantation forests is 1.51 megatons, and the per-hectare stock is 118.96 tonnes. Tree composition, tree height, DBH, and tree density govern biomass stock. The highest biomass is stored by the Acacia auriculiformis plantation (0.81 megaton), followed by the Eucalyptus tereticornis plantation (0.54 megaton) and mixed forest (0.16 megaton). The highest per-hectare biomass stock is found in the Eucalyptus tereticornis forest (165.42 t/ha), followed by mixed forest (118.09 t/ha) and Acacia auriculiformis plantation forest (100.41 t/ha), owing to variations in tree density, DBH, and tree height. The study finds that DBH is the most valuable predictor of tree biomass in all forest types and that Acacia auriculiformis should be planted more.