ESTIMATION AND INVENTORY OF BIOMASS AND CARBON OF NATIVE BAMBOO Guadua aculeata Rupr. IN PUEBLA, MEXICO

Abstract

Background. Bamboo forests are an alternative to mitigate the effects of climate change, doe to the high growth rate, however, in Mexico there are few studies on its biomass and carbon storage. Objective. Estimate and inventory the biomass and carbon stored in stands of G. aculeata Rupr. in forest management unit numbered 2103, Puebla, Mexico. Methodology. The biomass and necreomass were sampled through square sites of 100 m2, the normal diameter at 1.30 m of all the culms present in each site was measured, the litter present in 1 m2 was weighed and samples were taken to determine the carbon content in culm, branches, leaves, roots, and litter. An analysis of variance and a Tukey’s means comparison test were carried out. Results. It was determined that dry base total biomass was on average 308.05 ± 10.13 Mg ha-1, of which 139.09 ± 6.81 Mg ha-1 correspond to stored carbon; in the study area 19,714.91 ± 61.87 t of dry base biomass and 8,901.63 ± 435.78 of stored carbon were estimated. Fixed carbon was 46 ± 0.4%, 44 ± 0.4%, 42± 0.2%, 42 ± 0.5% and 38 ± 1.0% for culms, branches, foliage, roots, and litter, respectively; carbon being different in culm and branches with the content found in foliage, root, and litter. Implications. Although the contribution of branches, foliage and litter was low, these are the most dynamic structural components and represent the photosynthetic machinery for biomass production. Conclusions. The natural forests of G. aculeata Rupr. have a high carbon content like that of tree species, so it is advisable to conserve them and establish forest plantations that allow a sustained carbon capture over time.