Comparing spacings of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg stand: response in biomass and carbon stock above and below ground

Forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Among the factors that can affect carbon stocks in forest stands, planting spacing stands out. This study verified the effect of spacing on biomass and carbon stock in a stand of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg at 56 months of age. They were planted with 3 x 2 m, 3 x 3 m, 4 x 3 m, 4 x 4 m and 5 x 5 m spacings. The biomass of the above-ground compartments (stem, branches, leaves and bark) and root biomass was quantified, totalling 16.42 and 6.68 Mg ha-1, respectively. The largest amount of biomass and carbon stock occurred in the denser spacings. Total biomass was twice as large at 3 x 2 m spacing compared to 5 x 5 m spacing. The root biomass represented 40.93% of the total biomass. The order of participation of the components in the total aboveground biomass was branches (44.99%), stem (40.77%), leaves (13.99%) and bark (4.90%). The denser spacings (3 x 2 m and 3 x 3 m) showed higher values of biomass and carbon stock than the wide spacings (4 x 3 m, 4 x 4 m and 5 x 5 m). There was no effect of planting spacing on carbon stock in necromass and soil. Keywords: biomass, carbon sequestration, silviculture.