Potential aboveground carbon storage in the community forest area of Tawangmangu, Karanganyar District, Indonesia

Abstract. Setyasih DMD, Putri RAS, Raharjo YAA, Izdihar RS, Kusumaningrum L, Setyawan AD. 2025. Potential aboveground carbon storage in the community forest area of Tawangmangu, Karanganyar District, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 108-114. Forests are ecologically significant landscapes characterized by tree cover and high biodiversity. They play an important role in carbon sequestration and storage, contributing to climate regulation. Tawangmangu sub-district with its significant portion of forest land holds considerable potential for carbon sequestration. This study aims to assess the carbon storage potential and tree species composition in three villages within the Tawangmangu sub-district—Plumbon, Nglebak, and Sepanjang. Data were collected using a random sampling technique, with 20 plots (20 × 20 m) established at each site. Data such as identification of species and the circumference of each tree were measured. The collected data were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, biomass index, and carbon storage potential. A total of 30 tree species from 18 families were identified across the three villages, with the Fabaceae family being the most dominant. The species diversity index (H') values were 2.147 for Plumbon, 1.278 for Nglebak, and 2.456 for Sepanjang, indicating moderate species diversity and relatively stable ecosystem productivity. Biomass calculations revealed values of 462.81 kg/ha in Plumbon, 807.28 kg/ha in Nglebak, and 145.13 kg/ha in Sepanjang. Corresponding carbon stock estimates were 212,892 kg in Plumbon, 371,348 kg in Nglebak, and 66,759 kg in Sepanjang. The data indicate a positive correlation between biomass and carbon stock values. The variation in carbon storage across sites is likely influenced by species composition and site-specific ecological factors affecting carbon sequestration efficiency.