Standing biomass and carbon storage of above-ground structures in dominant mangrove trees in the Sundarbans

We evaluated carbon stocks in the above-ground biomass (AGB) of three dominant mangrove species (Sonneratia apetala, Avicennia alba and Excoecaria agallocha) in the Indian Sundarbans. We examined whether these carbon stocks vary with spatial locations (western region vs. central region) and with seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Among the three studied species, S. apetala showed the maximum above-ground carbon storage (t ha−1) followed by A. alba (t ha−1) and E. agallocha (t ha−1). The above-ground biomass (AGB) varied significantly with spatial locations (p < 0.05) but not with seasons (p < 0.05). The variation may be attributed to different environmental conditions to which these areas are exposed to such as higher siltation and salinity in central region compared to western region. The relatively higher salinity in central region caused subsequent lowering of biomass and stored carbon of the selected species.

Research highlights
► AGB and stored carbon varied in the order S. apetala > A. alba > E. agallocha.
► Maximum biomass was recorded in Sonneratia apetala during the monsoon season.
► Biomass and stored carbon in above-ground biomass were higher in the western region.
► High salinity in the central region reduced above-ground biomass and carbon storage.