Conversion of Marginalized Tea Lands into Timber Plantations and its Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Case Study in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Converting marginalized tea lands into timber plantations significantly increases soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, offering a potential strategy for climate change mitigation. A study in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands found that SOC stocks were 23% higher in converted timber plantations (155.3 ± 10.0 t C ha⁻¹) compared to marginalized tea lands (126.7 ± 5.8 t C ha⁻¹). This increase is attributed to reduced soil disturbance, litter accumulation, and decreased erosion, which enhance organic matter buildup. The research used soil samples from both land types, analyzing SOC via loss on ignition and bulk density estimates, followed by statistical comparisons. These findings suggest that land-use conversion could play a crucial role in sequestering atmospheric CO₂ while addressing economic challenges in tea cultivation.

Rotawewa B., & Lokupitiya E.Y.K. (2024). Conversion of Marginalized Tea Lands into Timber Plantations and its Impact on Soil Organic Carbon Content: A Case Study in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 27. https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v27.7128