The capacity of carbon storage of Litchi chinensis Sonn. in the hot spot area of Bangladesh

Litchi chinensis Sonn. is cultivated as a horticultural crop in Bangladesh and it has large-scale economic important. Litchi chinensis is planted throughout the country in homesteads and orchards. The plantation is increasing at a geometrical rate due to its deliciousness and being more profitable. The main objective of the study was to estimate the organic carbon storage at different ages of Litchi chinensis. A systematic sampling method was followed for selection of plots using Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Biomass and carbon storage of trees were estimated by a non-destructive method. The average value of diameter at breast height and height were 44.97cm and 7.76 m in 10 to 40 years old trees. The highest mean annual diameter at breast height increment and the lowest mean annual height increment were 2.22m, 1.07cm, 0.59m, and 0.22m respectively. Their average values were 1.49 cm and 0.34 m in 10 to 40 years old trees. There was a positive relationship between diameter and height at different ages (r=0.96). The maximum, minimum and mean biomass and carbon storage were recorded of 813.10, 157.51, 473.75, 406.55, 78.75, 236.88 kgtree-1 in 10 to 40 years old trees respectively. Carbon storage range from 0.08 to 0.41t C tree-1 with an average of 0.24 t C tree-1. The average carbon storage capacity of Litchi chinensis was 0.65 t Cha-1 year-1. Statistical analysis revealed that the biomass and carbon stock (tC/tree) varied significantly (p<0.05) among different ages of trees. Fruit orchards should be promoted as environment friendly economic activity in the country. It will help in sustainable agricultural development as well as contribution to climate change mitigation.