Carbon sequestration potential of spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora subspecies Variegata) in South East Queensland, Australia

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the carbon sequestration potential of spotted gum forest plantation in the South East Queensland region and to determine the suitability of the whole area to carbon sequestration endeavour. This information is indispensable to stakeholders when considering land use options particularly carbon sequestration. A process-based model and geographic information system were employed in the process. The site has a potential biomass production of 1422–2329 ton ha⁻¹ with the carbon dioxide equivalent range from 2539 to 4157 ton ha⁻¹ in 100 year of rotation period. The maximum mean annual growth of 19.98 m³ ha⁻¹ was estimated in the Great Sandy sub-region while the lowest value of 11.46 m³ ha⁻¹ was predicted in South Burnett sub-region. The findings indicated that the whole region has a high potential carbon sequestration capability but requires further spatial suitability and economic analysis.

Keywords:

• Carbon sequestration
• Spotted gum
• SEQ
• Suitability

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The authors are grateful to the sponsor who made this study possible. Our gratitude also goes to Dr David Lee who provided the data-sets for Warrill View; to Drs Peter Sands, Joe Landsberg and Richard Waring who gave their invaluable comments and assistance for 3PG validation process and use. Gratitude is also due Dr Anders Siggins of CSIRO who provided the 3PGpjs v. 2.5 software. We would like to thank Dr Michael Brett-Crowther for his understanding and the anonymous referee for useful comments.