Carbon storage of the grassland areas of Ikalahan ancestral domain, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Sample plots measuring 1m x 1m were established in the 11 sites of the Ikalahan Ancestral Domain, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Grass sample s inside the plots were collected, weighed and oven dried for biomass densit y determination and carbon content analysis. Likewise, soil samples within the sample plot s are collected to assess the bulk and carbon densities of the mentioned ecosystem. Results of the study show that biomass density of the grasslands in the area ranges from 2.75 Mg/ha to 11.60 Mg/ha or an average of 6.60 Mg/ha. In terms of carbon content, carbon analysis of the grass samples indicate that grassland areas in the Domain contain around 34% carbon. Soils in the grassl ands have carbon density values ranging from 35.36 Mg/ha to 47.22 Mg/ha. On the average, carbon density of the grassland areas amounts to 41.42 Mg/ha. Total carbon density of the grassland areas ranges from 36.59 Mg/ha to 52 Mg/ha. Average total carbon density of the grasslands is about 44 Mg/ha. In terms of percentage, analysis shows that a large percenta ge of the total carbon density of the grasslands is found in the soil. This carbon pool contributes around 91 â?? 99% of the total carbon density. On the other hand, the grass component contributes a very small percentage of a mere 1 â?? 9%. Results indicate that soil is a major sink of carbon because it does not only absorb large amount of carbon but it also holds carbon for a longer period of time compared with vegetation

F.B Pulhin, 'Carbon storage of the grassland areas of Ikalahan ancestral domain, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines', p.34, 2008