In Bangladesh, homestead forests are some of the most productive systems and unique land uses. A total of 176 homestead forests at three altitudes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh were randomly surveyed by the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences to estimate carbon (C) stocks and how stand structure affects the biomass C. The tree biomass C stock in the top two altitude forests was up to 37–48% higher than in low altitude, owing to significantly higher tree density and species diversity. An increase in the species diversity index by one unit increased the biomass stock by 23 Mg C per hectare. The forest stored 89 Mg C per hectare, indicating a potential for C sequestration in trees outside the forest. This study would help policymakers strengthen the recognition of small-scale forests for mitigation and support owners through C credits from sustainably managed forests.

Read the whole article: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88775-7