# An assessment of the role of buttress roots in the carbon stocks of tropical forests

## TL;DR

This study shows that buttress roots in tropical forests significantly contribute to carbon storage and soil health, which should be considered in climate change mitigation strategies.

## Contribution

The study quantifies the carbon contribution of buttress roots and their impact on soil organic carbon and nutrient levels in tropical forests.

## Key findings

- 69.57% of trees had 3 to 5 buttress roots, with buttress root biomass accounting for 16.18% of total tree biomass.
- Soil organic carbon content was 20.8% higher in upslope areas with buttress roots, and soil respiration was lower in these areas.
- Tree species with buttress roots had 20% higher organic carbon content and influenced soil temperature and moisture.

## Abstract

Assessing carbon stocks in tropical forests is crucial for understanding their role in mitigating climate change. Researchers have previously underestimated key factors contributing to carbon dynamics in tropical forests. This study aims to address this knowledge gap.

This study collected soil samples and made physical measurements of buttressed, control, and non-buttressed trees in a tropical forest from 2020 to 2022.

Our findings reveal that a significant proportion of trees (69.57%) had 3 to 5 buttress roots per tree. The total average biomass of the buttress roots and the above-ground portion of the trees with buttress roots was calculated to be 8.5 tonnes/ha for buttress roots and 44.04 tonnes/ha for above-ground biomass. The buttress root biomass accounted for 16.18% of the total tree biomass. It was observed that the presence of buttress roots was associated with a higher soil organic carbon content by an average of 20.8% in the upslope areas with buttress roots regardless of the season. Tree species with buttress roots had on average 20% higher organic carbon content. The upslope area of trees with buttress roots had lower soil temperature and higher soil moisture when compared to the other sectors measured in the study. Regardless of the season, the soil respiration rate in the areas without buttress roots and the control areas was higher than in those with buttress roots. The presence of buttress roots positively affected soil nutrient concentration throughout the study period.

This research shows that buttress roots play a crucial role in carbon storage. By integrating buttress roots into carbon accounting models, we can obtain more accurate estimates of carbon stock potential and develop more effective conservation and restoration strategies for tropical forests.