Wood and carbon production in the regeneration of agroforestry system in Talamanca indigenous natural reserve, Costa Rica

Abstract

The work was developed in the Indigenous Reserve of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Sixty-six plots of cocoa (C) and banana (B) were measured to estimate the storage and increase of wood and carbon from Laurel (Cordia alliodora) and Cedro Amargo (Cedrela odorata L.) of natural regeneration in these Agroforestry Systems (AFS). An inventory of laurel and royal cedar was carried out and trees were measured with d3 4 cm. The commercial volume (Vc) (d3 45 cm) was projected with Usher-type transition matrixes. The increases in wood and carbon were obtained in the period 2001-2005. There were no significant differences (P <0.05) for the density (d) and total wood stock (Vt) in the SAF, the d is 52.4 trees ha-1 in C and 53.8 trees ha-1 in B , contain a total volume of 55.4 m3 ha-1 in C and 52.6 m3 ha-1 in B. The rates of carbon fixation are 1.3 and 1.8 t ha-1 year-1 in C and B respectively. Five years of projection the C will produce 52.0 (m3 ha-1) and B 54.2 (m3 ha-1) of Vc with an IPAVc of 4.08 and 4.74 (m3 ha-1 year-1) in C and B respectively. For all the Agroforestry Systems evaluated, the use of wood will be sustainable, with the current rates of use and recruitment of individuals. It is recommended to apply the proposed model for the design and management of Agroforestry Systems.