Incremento de biomassa e carbono de espécies arbóreas usadas na restauração da Mata Atlântica

Abstract

Climate change mitigation requires not only reducing emissions but also strengthening carbon sinks through strategies such as ecological restoration. In Brazil, the Atlantic Forest remains highly fragmented, with mature remnants restricted to a small portion of the biome’s legally defined area, reinforcing the importance of conservation and restoration efforts. This study quantified biomass and carbon stocks and their increments for tree species in an Atlantic Forest restoration area four years (53 months) after establishment, using allometric equations suitable for young forests within the biome. Diameter at 30 cm above ground and total height were measured, and biomass was estimated by species; carbon was derived from biomass. The system reached a mean biomass stock of 51.3 Mg ha⁻¹ and a mean carbon stock of 25.6 Mg C ha⁻¹, resulting in a mean annual carbon increment of 5.8 Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Species-level variation was observed, with a wide range of individual biomass and annual carbon increments, indicating differences in early performance and contribution to short-term carbon gains during the initial years of restoration. Guazuma ulmifolia showed the highest biomass and carbon stock and increment due to its rapid growth, being recommended for carbon capture in young restoration areas, whereas Cariniana legalis presented the lowest values. The results contribute to future restoration actions, particularly those focused on carbon sequestration.