Assessing Carbon Potential of Irrigated Plantations in Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Afzal*
Aqeela Mobeen Akhter**

Irrigated plantations in Punjab consist of mostly Dalbergia sissoo (also known as Shisham). Data was collected from Changa Manga, Chichawatni, Bhagat, Shorkot, Daphar and Lalsohanra irrigated plantations to estimate present carbon stock of individual trees and compared with the normal crop to assess carbon potential and estimate the extent of forest degradation. The study was conducted with the objective to assess the gap between existing and potential carbon stocks of irrigated plantations of Punjab.

Volume table constructed for Dalbergia sissoo during 1986 was taken as normal crop. To estimate the present carbon stock and establish relationship between diameter and carbon stock, ten trees were selected randomly from each age group in each irrigated plantation for diameter and volume measurement. Some 440 trees were taken for measurement. The equations developed for present and normal crop for diameter and carbon equivalent resulted as 1.261D2-13.728D+89.543 and 1.762D2-26.515D+145.81 respectively. The study reveals that present carbon stock of a tree with 80 cm diameter at the rotation of 60 years is 7062 kg CO2e in contrast to 9303 kg CO2e. The study strongly recommends improving the management of irrigated plantations to improve carbon stocks of irrigated plantations.
* Dr. Muhammad Afzal is the Director of Punjab Forestry Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
** Ms. Aqeela Mobeen Akhter is a Research Officer at the Punjab Forestry Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan.