Carbon Storage of Restored Mangrove Forests in Biscayne Bay, Florida

Authors

Daniel Chomin-VirdenFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Tiffany Troxler

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Jennifer Richards

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

James Fourqurean

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Michael Ross

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

biology

Date of Defense

3-8-2021

Abstract

Space-for-time substitution was used to evaluate the rate of carbon storage in three carbon pools (aboveground, belowground, and soil organic carbon) across four restored mangrove forests in Biscayne Bay, Florida, USA. The restored forests ranged in age from 8 to 20 years. Diameter at breast height was used to estimate aboveground biomass. Belowground biomass and soil carbon were determined using 15 cm soil cores. Time to equivalence was calculated for the sites by reference to geographically proximate natural mangrove forests. Time to equivalence in aboveground and belowground biomass were 50.4 and 13.6 years, respectively. Soil organic carbon and total carbon stock did not display a linear trend over time. The study did not show the anticipated recovery within 20 years, but the results varied widely by carbon pool. The study suggests mangrove restorations seeking to match the carbon storage from natural forests should expect a longer time to recovery.

Identifier

FIDC009563

Recommended Citation

Chomin-Virden, Daniel, "Carbon Storage of Restored Mangrove Forests in Biscayne Bay, Florida" (2021). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4689.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4689