Carbon potential estimation of fast-growing species in the reclamation area of West Aceh Regency

Abstract Post-mining land reclamation is a crucial step in restoring the disrupted ecosystem functions. One of the most important aspects of this restoration is the recovery of the land’s ability to store carbon through vegetation and soil rehabilitation. Research o n carbon storage and sequestration helps to understand the extent to which reclamation can enhance this capacity. The objective of this research is to measure the potential carbon storage of fast growing species above ground in the post-coal mining area of West Aceh Regency for the 2017 and 2018 planting years. The sampling method used in this study is purposive sampling. Sampling of stands (seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees) can be done by creating measurement plots. Plant biomass data collection was conducted using the non-destructive method, and its analysis was carried out using allometric equations. Parameter measured include tree diameter, aboveground biomass, carbon stock per hectar, and sequestration of CO2 emission. The study was conducted in the reclamation area of PT Mifa Bersaudara with planting years of 2017 and 2018. The results showed that the biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 sequestration above ground in the reclamation area of PT Mifa Bersaudara for the 2017 planting year are 101,32 ton/ha, 47,02 ton/ha, and 172,57 ton/ha, respectively. Meanwhile, the Biomass, carbon storage, and CO2 sequestration above ground in the reclamation area of PT Mifa Bersaudara for the 2017 and 2018 planting years are are 138,88 ton/ha, 66,26 ton/ha, and 243,16 ton/ha, respectively.