Abstract

Potency of tea plantation for carbon sequestration besides as a cash crop in wet tropical region

Author(s): Yulnafatmawita

Statement of the Problem: Use of fossil energy in human activities has increased CO2 concentration in earth atmosphere causing global warming. An alternative way to counter the increasing amount of CO2 in atmosphere is by improving area of green landscape, such as tea plantation. Tea is mainly planted as a cash crop, but it can reduce CO2 atmosphere and increase C sequestration in soil. Since tea can stand >25 years old, it can consume high amount of CO2 atmosphere during photosynthesis process. Then, the litters (leaves and small branches) produced either which fall naturally or after being trimmed, will contribute OC to soil. Since the soil is not cultivated during the entire life of tea, the OC will be accumulated by time, even in sloping area.