Abstract

The study aimed to describe the influence of different planting spacings in aboveground biomass and soil carbon stocks, in 7.5 years old Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. var. peregrina stands, hypothesizing that smaller spacings might enhance carbon storage. The stands are located in Espírito Santo, Brazil and were planted in 2011. Blocks were allocated in a randomized block design to evaluate three treatments: 3 m x 3 m, 4 m x 4 m and 5 m x 5 m tree spacings. Samples up to 100 cm were taken for carbon determination and soil bulk density. 10 trees were felled and their aboveground biomass measured. Soil and aboveground biomass C stocks were calculated. The aboveground biomass C stock did not change in different spacing. Soil C stock was not influenced by the spacings, with total C stock of 122.93, 106.09 and 97.08 Mg ha^-1 for 3 m x 3 m, 4 m x 4 m and 5 m x 5 m, respectively. The intensification of carbon storage in smaller spacings was not confirmed. The study reveals inedited information about carbon storage in A. peregrina var. peregrina stands and demands new investigations regarding different soil characteristics. The species do have potential for carbon storage regardless of tree spacing.

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