Carbon stock estimation of trees and poles in Karendan Forest, North Barito, Central Kalimantan

Abstract Kalimantan is known as one of the biodiversity hotspots. It harbours various endemic, rare, and endangered plant species. This research aimed to inventory plants and estimate the carbon stock of trees and poles in the Karendan forest, Central Kalimantan. The biomass and carbon storage of above-ground biomass (AGB) were measured using non-destructive methods. Around 88 species of tree stands were recorded, consisting of 51 trees and 61 species of poles (young trees). The average estimate of total carbon stock in the Karendan forest was 91.19 tons/ha, while the carbon stock value of trees was equivalent to poles, indicating forest regeneration. We observed forest disturbances caused by fires or selective logging in the past. The Dipterocarpaceae family ( meranti ) dominantly contributes to carbon biomass, either through its tree species, such as Shorea leprosula (25.07 tons/ha) and S. lamellata (5.05 tons/ha), or its pole species, including S. leprosula (3.39 tons/ha), and S. bracteolata (2.02 tons/ha). This family’s abundance of carbon-contributing trees indicates that the Karendan forest has a relatively high conservation value. The findings of this research are helpful for the management of coal mining companies, considering that this area is within the mining concessions.