Impact of Stand Density on Biomass Production and Carbon Stocks in Sandalwood (Santalum album L.) Plantations in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

This study on Sandalwood focuses on relationship between biomass and the individual tree-level factors that influences its growth. Understanding carbon stocks associated with tree growth is complex, as it is affected by various factors, including planting geometry, soil conditions, local climate, tree management practices, and genetic traits. In 2023, a survey in Maharashtra identified 30 Sandalwood plantations through a snowball sampling method. To assess biomass production, these plantations were classified into five different stand density types. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) was implemented which consisted of five treatments based on spacing, each treatment replicated three times in twelve plots. The treatments were denoted as, T1 (3m × 3m), T2 (3.5m × 3.5m), T3 (4.5m × 4.5m), T4 (5.5m × 5.5m) & T5 (6m × 6m). The study found that the highest total biomass of 8.342 Mg ha-1 occurred at a density of 493 trees ha-1, significantly surpassing all other treatments. Correspondingly, the total carbon stock was greatest at this density, measuring 36.571 Mg C ha-1, while the lowest carbon stock was recorded at 277 trees ha-1, which was 31.425 Mg C ha-1. Additionally, the carbon sequestration potential peaked at 134.215 Mg C ha-1 in the moderate density plantation. These results confirm that stand density plays a crucial role in biomass accumulation in Sandalwood plantations, with intermediate densities producing the best outcomes. The findings align with previous research on Sandalwood and other tree species, highlighting the importance of optimizing planting density for sustainable and productive plantation management.