Carbon Stock Potential of Coconut Plantations in University Campus: A Case Study from Coimbatore, India

Abstract

The urgent need to mitigate climate change has prompted researchers to explore various avenues for carbon sequestration. One such avenue is the utilization of natural ecosystems like forests and plantations. Coconut plantations in university campuses play a vital role in carbon sequestration in mitigation of climate change. In this case study, we report the potential of coconut plantation from Bharathiar University campus, India. Four plots of 50 m × 50 m were randomly sampled from the coconut plantation in Bharathiar University campus. Carbon stock of the coconut plantation was calculated based on field survey and allometric equations. A total of 171 trees were recorded from the four plots totalling one hectare (ha) area.  The total carbon stock determined for the one ha of coconut plantation sampled from Bharathiar University campus was 31.69 tonne/ha and the mean carbon stock per tree was 0.19 ± 0.06 tonne/tree. We have discussed the carbon stock of coconut tree allocation by above-ground and below-ground parts. This case study highlights the importance of coconut plantations in university campuses in support of curbing the atmospheric carbon concentration. We suggest for plantation of coconut trees in university campuses, that can serve not only as carbon sinks but also contribute to fulfilling the sustainable development goals of the nation.