Estimation Aboveground Biomass using an Alometric Equation (non-destructive sampling) in the Peat Forestry District at Blok C and D of EMRP (Ex-Mega Rice Project), Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

The Ex-Mega Rice Project (EMRP) of the one million hectares in Central Kalimantan is one of the biggest field conversion problem in Indonesia. Reclamation activities to becoming rice field followed by construction of drainage channels more rapidly consequence to land fire, loss of biodiversity, and also social-economy implication. The biomass estimation using five methods approach, i.e. Brown (1997), Ketterings et al (2001), Onrizal (2004), Ludang (2007), and specific equation for certain species (locally equation). While the carbon-stock (c-stock) estimated by a half of the biomass. Result of this study revealed that 97% of the vegetations density was decrease during period 1990-1996 until 1996-2000. The analyse outcome using descriptive approach (Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) and correlation) and inferential approach (One-sample Statistic test) shows that Kettering equation dominantly match, followed by Ludang, and Brown. Output comparation by the biomass and mean C-stock value was heterogenous and decrease significantly from 10-279 t/ha and 75tC/ha during period 1990-1996, to 1.5-115 t/ha and 56tC/ha during period 1996-2000. The spread distribution map visualize clearly the lag of biomass before and after ERMP in 1997. This revealed the importance to conserve and rehabilitate on peatland in order to increase carbon sequestrate activities.