Carbon sequestration capacity of <i>Swietenia mahagoni</i> King. in the Rajshahi University campus of Bangladesh

Swietenia mahagoni King is the most popular and important forest tree species in Bangladesh and its plantation is increasing at a geometrical rate due to its timber quality. The study set out to quantify the organic carbon of Swietenia mahagoni throughout a range of ages in the vicinity of Rajshahi University. Systematic sampling method was followed for selection of plots using Global Positioning Systems. Biomass and organic carbon of trees were estimated using Allometric equations. The present study revealed that the maximum aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and carbon values were 1100.80, 166.12 and 632.94 kg/tree in 50 years old plantations respectively. The lowest aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and carbon values were 166.12, 63.36 and 95.52 632.9 kg/tree in 15 years old plantations respectively. Biomass and organic carbon were significantly (p<0.05) differed in different ages of Swietenia mahagoni. The findings of the study revealed that mean organic carbon was 28.78 tha- 1 and the maximum value was 47.47 tha-1 in 50 years old trees and the lowest value was 14.81 tha- 1 in 15 years’ old trees. Swietenia magahoni is the most important and well-known popular tree which is planted in the whole country of Bangladesh. The findings indicated that carbon sequestration capacity of Swietenia mahagoni was higher than other forest tree species. So, Swietenia mahagoni can be selected for massive plantations throughout the country and training up the planters for proper management and development.