The economic value of carbon storage functions in different land uses of northern Zagros forests

In this study, the amount of carbon stored in plant biomass and soil of four land uses (virgin forest, protected, exploited and orchard) in the forests of Mirabad, Sardasht was estimated and valued. First, in the each land uses, and in each same units, 30 samples with 25*25 m dimension were determined. Diameter at breast height of those trees >10 cm class were measured in each sample. Sampling of litter were done based on direct collecting method in sub samples with 0.5*0.5 m dimension from four corners and center of each main sample. Also, height of the thickest and the nearest tree to the center of each sample were measured. To estimate of the amount of organic carbon stored in soil, samples from two depth of soil 0 - 15 and 15 - 50 cm were collected. In order to valuation of this ecosystem service, an alternative costs method was used. The results of statistical analysis showed significant differences in the amount of carbon stored in plant biomass and soil horizons of four land Uses. The results showed that each uses of Virgin, protected, exploited and orchard had economic value 890, 466, 380, 190 million Rials (hectare/year) respectively from carbon storage approach. Obviously, this research data, would reveal the environmental values of Zagros forests more than before.