A 0.4-hectare permanent plot in Ban Nong Nae Community Forest, Chachoengsao, recorded 258 trees, 27 species and 19 families, with Shannon H′=2.59 and evenness=.795. Estimated aboveground carbon was 23,353.87 kg in the plot, or 58.38 Mg C/ha, with 77.8% concentrated in six dominant species.
Key findings
- Stand density was 645 trees/ha, H′=2.59 and E=.795. Plot aboveground biomass was 48,384.24 kg, corresponding to 23,353.87 kg C or 58.38 Mg C/ha. Six species held 77.8% of carbon, with Pterocarpus macrocarpus prominent.
Why this matters globally
Community forests combine biodiversity, livelihoods and climate functions. Protecting large carbon-bearing trees matters, while diversity and evenness can spread ecological risk beyond a few dominant species.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers from Rajabhat Rajanagarindra, Phetchabun Rajabhat and Burapha universities generated field evidence for an eastern Thai community forest.
Limitations to consider
One 0.4-ha plot may not capture whole-forest variability. Allometry and carbon fractions add unreported uncertainty; belowground, soil, deadwood and fluxes were omitted, and one-time data cannot establish annual sequestration, stability or resilience.