Growth performance and carbon sequestration potential of mahogany plantations in northern transition zone of Karnataka

Abstract

< Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) became a popular among the tree growers of Karnataka. With its superior wood quality, beautiful grain, fast growing nature, high economical returns on invested capital and adoptability made huge attraction on this species. Raising agroforestry plantations of fast growing tree species became more successful and a realistic approach to climate resilient farming. The objective of the experiment was to assess the growth and carbon sequestration potential of different aged mahogany plantations in northern transition zone of Karnataka. Twenty five trees selected from each age gradation of one and half year to four and half year old mahogany plantations of this zone by considering similar growing and edaphic conditions. Growth attributes such as height and girth at breast height was measured. Derived parameters such as basal area, tree volume, total biomass and carbon sequestration potential of mahogany plantations were calculated and the results revealed that four and half year old mahogany plantation recorded higher tree volume (25.22 m3 ha-1) and carbon sequestration potential (8.42 t ha-1) as compared to other age gradations selected for study. The study concluded that as age increases the tree volume and carbon sequestration potential of mahogany increases.