Introduction

Accuracy in carbon quantification is essential to ensure the traceability of forest projects that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective

To compare the estimated carbon content through two sampling protocols.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in three ejidos in the municipality of Pueblo Nuevo, Durango. Data from the Forest Protocol for Mexico (PFM) v3.0 of the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) were used, comprising 1 356 plots with an area of 400 m2 for mature trees (diameter at breast height ≥ 30 cm) and 100 m2 for small trees (diameter at breast height from 7.5 to 29.9 cm); the sampling intensity was 0.43 %. Additionally, data from 6 615 plots of 1 000 m2 from the Forest Management Inventory (FMI) were used, with a sampling intensity of 4.64 %

Results and discussion

Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in carbon estimates between sampling protocols. On average, 53.56 Mg·ha-1 were estimated with the PFM sampling method, and 43.80 Mg·ha-1 with the FMI method in the three ejidos. The PFM scheme showed a coefficient of variation of 60 %, whereas the FMI presented 49 %. Moreover, the sampling error was 2.99 % for PFM and 0.93 % for FMI.

Conclusions

Combining both sampling approaches could optimize inventory costs, while providing robust data suitable for both forest management planning and the development of carbon credit projects.

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