Floristics, phytosociology, biomass estimation and carbon sequestration in a terra firme forest in Gunma Ecological Park, Santa Bárbara, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Urban forests are mitigating environments for adverse effects of increasing urbanization in Brazilian capitals, however, aggressive urbanization promotes fragmentation of these ecosystems, affecting their dynamics and structure. In view of this, surveys of diversity and structure of forest fragments are essential to assist in the ecological knowledge of these remnants. In this sense, this study aimed to carry out a floristic and phytosociological survey. The aim is to estimate biomass and carbon sequestration in an area of remaining forest in the metropolitan region of Belém (PA). Twenty plots of 20 × 25m of terra firme forest were sampled for further evaluation of floristic composition and phytosociological parameters. A total of 378 individuals distributed in 77 species and 32 families were identified in the area. The five species with the highest number of individuals were: Eschweilera coriacea (DC.) S.A.Mori, Eschweilera collina Eyma, Pourouma mollis Trécul, Dendrobangia boliviana Rusby and Inga capitata Desv. The Fabaceae family was the family with the highest number of individuals and the highest Importance Value Index values were obtained for Eschweilera coriacea (DC.) S.A.Mori. he estimated forest biomass for the area was 309.77 Mg.ha-1 while the carbon obtained after biomass conversion was 148.69 Mg and the equivalent carbon content (CO2eq) was 545.19 Mg. The results found allow a good visualization of the structure and composition of the area, are in line with other studies for similar areas in Amazon and allow inferring the conservation status and ecological importance of the Gunma Ecological Park for the region.