Projeção de produção de biomassa em um programa de restauração da caatinga

Abstract

Little is known about the potential for biomass production, CO2 uptake and carbon sequestration by native tree species of the Caatinga. In forest restoration programs, monitoring aboveground biomass production could function as a measure of success in the first years of restoration. Furthermore, knowledge of the potential for carbon storage in restored forests can assist in actions to reduce the concentration of gases in the atmosphere, driving reforestation in degraded areas. Therefore, increasing carbon sequestration through conservation, restoration, and appropriate management practices in forests is a natural solution for mitigating climate change. The main objective of this study was to estimate, through equations, the amount of carbon sequestered by native Caatinga tree species in a pilot restoration project. To determine the aboveground biomass of the different tree species studied, we used linear regressions with the DAS and plant height in the field as explanatory variables and the dry aboveground biomass estimated in the field as the response variable. The results indicated that aboveground biomass also showed a strong positive relationship in response to height and DAS increase. In addition, the species Jurema preta presented the highest values of aboveground biomass compared to the other species analyzed. The 387 individuals measured in this pilot experiment fixed over three years a total of 235.499 kg of carbon. The species Jurema preta stood out for fixing a large amount of carbon, being recommended for planting projects to neutralize greenhouse gases. However, other important factors of the species should be taken into consideration, such as the ability to modify the microclimate of the environment and the facilitation of the establishment of other species near its crown.