Broadleaf diversity and carbon estimates along the northeastern slope of Mt. Makiling, Philippines

Issue Date

1-2017

Abstract

Three elevation ranges of the Mt. Makiling were identified: low elevation (50-300 m asl), middle elevation (301-700 m asl), and high elevation (701-1114 m asl). The purpose of the study was to determine the diversity of broad-leaved species and the corresponding carbon stocks along the elevation gradient. Within these ranges, vegetation samplings for broadleaf were done on tree, intermediate, and undergrowth layers using the Quadrat Sampling Technique. A total of 110 species, 75 genera, and 35 families identified. Family Moraceae and genus Ficus had the highest number of occurrence in all elevation ranges, while Swietenia macrophylla was the most abundant species that had occurred from low to middle elevations while partially open in high elevation. The ecological values also showed that density, frequency, and dominance were higher on these elevations, where Parashorea malaanonan and Pterocymbium tinctorium had the highest Importance Value (IV) recorded. The diversity values in all ranges were generally low to moderate. The highest diversity was observed in high elevation that exhibited a trend of increasing from low to middle elevation, then decreasing from middle to high elevation. Similarly, aboveground biomass and carbon density exhibited the same trend by which they were highest at the middle elevation where plantations of S. macrophylla and dipterocarps are located. The largest estimate for carbon density was 451.62 + 50.07 Mg C/ha at 400 m asl and the lowest was 94.58 + 24.12 Mg C/ha at 900 m asl. Overall, these ecological parameter studies were found to have a significant implication to ecological management, social factors, and research.

Source or Periodical Title

Sylvatrop: the technical journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources

ISSN

0115-0022

Volume

17

Issue

1-2

Page

35-52

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

illustrations; tables

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA; PLANTS; FORESTS; FOREST BIODIVERSITY; VEGETATION; CARBON; CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT; PHILIPPINES

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