Contenido de carbono almacenado en biomasa de árboles y en el suelo en un parche del bosque del género Polylepis en Zhurucay, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

The species of the genus Polylepis are trees that grow at high elevation in the páramo ecosystem and provide several ecosystem services for well being, such as carbon storage, habitat for biodiversity, erosion control and others. The aim of this study was to characterize the dasometric variables and estimate the carbon content stored in the above and below ground biomass at different soil depths in established plots in the interior and at the edge of a patch of Polylepis reticulata forest, located in the Zhurucay river micro-watershed, in southern Ecuador. A total of eight plots of 20 x 20 m (400 m2) were established. In each plot the Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of the all trees were measured, in addition, the wood density was calculated to estimate the carbon content using allometric equations. On the other hand, within each plot, three subplots of 0.25 m2 were established to evaluate the carbon stored in the belowground biomass. Additionally, organic matter and bulk density were sampled at different depths (0 – 10cm, 10 a 30cm, 30 a 60 cm y 60 a 90 cm) in0.25 m2 x 90 cm deep pits. The results revealed that the variables analyzed such as height, diameter, density (ind/ha) did not present differences between the edge and interior plots, attributable to the size and shape of the study area. In general, it was found a highest amount of carbon at belowground than above ground biomass and a non significance was found between interior vs edge plots. In regard to soil depths, at 30-60 cm had the greatest carbon storage. The findings in this study supports to understand the rol of Polylepis forest in term of carbon storage as an important ecosystem service.