Abstract

POMPA-GARCIA, M  and  JURADO, E. Carbon concentration in structures of Arctostaphylos pungens HBK: An alternative CO₂ sink in forests. Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2015, vol.84, n.2, pp.385-389. ISSN 1851-5657.

Arctostaphylos pungens HBK is a dominant species with increasing abundance and distribution in chaparral ecosystems as a result of range management and, possibly, changes in climate. The value of this species for carbon (C) sequestration is unknown, and the standard 50% C out of total tree biomass is used as an approximate value. In this study, we aim to determine the C concentration of the primary components of A. pungens. The total C expressed as a percentage of biomass was determined with a Solids TOC Analyzer. We found the C concentration to vary among components. Leaves exhibited the highest C concentration (51.70%). Roots (46.11%), stems (47.30%), fruits (47.89%) and twigs (48.40%) had similar C concentration. These results provided superior estimates of C concentration, and reliable information concerning the potential use of A. pungens in climate-change mitigation programs.

Keywords : Carbon sequestration; Climate change; Manzanita.

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