Student Research Reports
Carbon sequestration in rubber plantations in Phak Mai Subdistrict, Huai Thap Than District, Si Sa Ket Province.
Organization(s):Phakmaiwittayanukul school
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Ms. Siraphat Noradee
Ms. Kanokporn Wongpakdee
Ms. Kantisa Jentookjai
Ms. Phitchaya Malison
Ms. Siriwimon Sombatwong
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Darunee Samerpak, Pornwilai Piyawong
Contributors:Ms. Palida Plodthong
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Biometry (including Tree Height)
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
This research aims to compare carbon sequestration and ecological characteristics of rubber plantations. This study investigated two influencing factors: 1) differences in the age of rubber trees and 2) management styles (monoculture and integrated management). The study was conducted in rubber plantations in Phak Mai Subdistrict, Huai Thap Than District, Sisaket Province.
Sample plots of 30 × 30 meters were established. Two sample plots of 30 × 30 meters were surveyed at a height of 1.35 meters to collect data on the circumference of the rubber trees and their height. This data was then used to calculate above-ground biomass using allometric equations. WT = 0.0798 (D^2H) ^ {0.8706} The canopy cover was assessed using light metering equipment, and the types of ground cover plants in the area were surveyed. The total biomass was then used to calculate carbon sequestration using a coefficient of 0.47.
The study found that mature rubber plantations managed using integrated farming systems stored up to 16.74 tons of carbon per rai (rai ≈ 1,600 sq.m.) and had a canopy cover of 96.25%, which is approximately 6.7 times higher than young, monoculture rubber plantations that stored only 2.51 tons of carbon per rai. Furthermore, the integrated plantations showed greater diversity of intercrops such as Dipterocarpus alatus, coconut palm, and fodder grasses, indicating that mature rubber plantations with integrated management are significantly more effective in mitigating global warming and maintaining a healthier ecosystem.