Spatial Patterns of Biomass and Carbon Sequestration as Affected by Vegetation and Topography in a Community Forest Selopuro Indonesia

This study aims to estimate biomass and carbon stocks stored based on variations in slope gradient and vegetation cover types in the Community Forest, Selopuro, Indonesia. The study was conducted on 24 sample plots arranged stratified based on a combination of four slope classes (0–8%, 8–15%, 15–30%, >30%) and two vegetation cover types (teak and mixed vegetation). The parameters observed included tree biomass, litter biomass, carbon content, and soil physical-chemical properties. Tree biomass estimation was calculated based on Diameter Breast Height (DBH) measurements and tree height using allometric equations. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's extended test, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that slope and vegetation cover types significantly affected litter biomass and the amount of carbon stored. Plots with mixed vegetation on slope classes 0–8% and 8–15% showed the highest biomass and carbon values. The main factors influencing carbon storage include soil organic C content, canopy length, and soil permeability. These findings emphasize the importance of conservation-based community forest management practices and agroforestry to increase carbon stocks sustainably and support climate change mitigation efforts.