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Published on: January 26, 2018
Wetland Type Matters: Tree Community Structure and Carbon Sequestration Dynamics Along a Tropical River Basin
Samim Borbhuyan1, Nirjhar Das1, Kasturi Chakraborty2
1Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India.
Environmental Management
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Tropical wetlands are vital carbon sinks, with tree-dominated ecosystems in the Barak River Basin significantly contributing to carbon sequestration. Wetland structure and species diversity, not just tree density, drive carbon storage, highlighting their importance for climate mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Change Science
- Biodiversity Conservation
Background:
- Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including water purification, flood regulation, and habitat provision.
- Tropical wetlands are increasingly recognized for their significant carbon storage capacity, crucial for global climate change mitigation strategies.
- Understanding the ecological diversity and carbon dynamics of different tropical wetland types is essential for effective conservation and policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess the contributions of distinct tropical wetland types to ecological diversity and carbon dynamics.
- To inform climate action, conservation planning, and local livelihood strategies through a detailed study of wetland ecosystems.
- To underscore the role of tropical wetlands in regional and global carbon cycling for future climate policy.
Main Methods:
- Selected three morphologically and hydrologically distinct wetlands in the Barak basin, northeast India: Fulbari Anua (oxbow lake, OL), Bakri Haor (floodplain wetland, FPW), and Sone Beel (perennial wetland, PW).
- Randomly sampled tree individuals from both aquatic and riparian zones of the selected wetlands.
- Analyzed tree community composition, diversity, density, and above-ground biomass carbon across different wetland types.
Main Results:
- Identified 30 tree species across 18 families; tree composition similarity was higher between permanent wetland (PW) and floodplain wetland (FPW) than with oxbow lake (OL).
- Floodplain wetland (FPW) exhibited maximum tree diversity (3.07) and density (42 trees ha⁻¹), while above-ground biomass carbon was highest in FPW (168.99 Mg ha⁻¹).
- Wetland tree carbon stock was primarily influenced by basal area and species diversity, rather than solely by tree density, with specific species like Terminalia arjuna and Aegle marmelos showing high carbon stock in FPW.
Conclusions:
- Tree-dominated tropical wetlands, such as those in the Barak River Basin, function as significant carbon sinks, contributing to regional and global carbon balance.
- The study emphasizes that stand structure and species composition are more critical determinants of carbon storage in wetlands than stem number alone.
- Integrating nature-based solutions and adaptive management is recommended to conserve biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and ensure the long-term sustainability of tropical wetlands, while managing invasive species.
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