Carbon stocks of mangrove sediments in Bama Resort, Baluran National Park, Indonesia

Mangroves can sequester substantial amounts of carbon in sediments, contributing to climate change mitigation. This study investigated sediment characteristics and carbon stocks in the mangrove forest of Bama Resort, Baluran National Park, Indonesia, a protected area with relatively undisturbed ecosystems. Field sampling was conducted at seven stations, with 63 soil samples analyzed for sediment texture, bulk density, and organic carbon content. Considerable variability was observed in sediment texture and organic carbon concentrations. Finer sediments, such as silty clay loam and clay loam, exhibited higher organic carbon levels, reaching 27.23%, and lower bulk densities, as low as 0.27 g cm−3. In contrast, coarser sandy sediments showed lower carbon concentrations and higher bulk densities. The average LOI-estimated sediment carbon stock was 364 ± 89 Mg C ha−1, with Station 7 recording the highest value (657 ± 251 Mg C ha−1), significantly exceeding four of the six other stations. These findings highlight the importance of sediment properties in determining carbon storage potential and demonstrate the role of mangrove sediments as important carbon reservoirs. The results provide a baseline for future research and conservation and management initiatives.