Carbon Sequestration Potential of Fruit Farms in Selected Sites of National Greening Program in Batangas Province, Philippines

Abstract

The study assessed the carbon sequestration potential of existing fruit farms in Batangas province. A structured questionnaire was used coupled with KII, FGD, desk review of secondary data, farm and community visits, and gathering of geo-referenced points was done to gather the needed data. Data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results show that there are 13 species of fruit trees being grown and the top three most grown are Coconut, Avocado and Langka. As to land cover, in 2010, the majority of the areas in Cahil, Calaca, Batangas are covered with Perennial Crops followed by annual crops. In 2015, a decrease in the areas of Perennial and Annual Crops was observed while there was an increase in the areas covered with brush/shrubs. In Sucol, Balayan, Batangas, the majority of the areas in 2010 are covered with perennial crops, shrubs and annual crops. In 2015, no recorded areas were covered with perennial crops while areas covered with shrubs have increased. Meanwhile, the respondents are highly affected by climate change impacts but fruit farmers have coping strategies to address such impacts. As to carbon sequestration, Mangifera indica has the highest average above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon sequestration in Cahil with 18,854.95kg and 8,484.73kg, respectively. This is followed by Persia amaricana with an average AGB and carbon sequestration of 14,165.83kg and 6,374.62kg, respectively. Coffea Arabica has the least recorded AGB with 2,669.24kg and the carbon sequestration is 1,201.16kg. In Sucol, M. Indica has the highest average AGB with 55,170.89kg and carbon sequestration of 24,826.90kg. Citrofortunella microcarpa has the least recorded AGB and carbon sequestration with 184.32kg and 82.94kg, respectively. The study necessitates the need to prepare necessary documentation highlighting several success stories in the study sites which could serve as benchmark documents for other greening efforts in the country and abroad.