Biomass and carbon quantification in Teak (Tectona grandis) forests: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Provides updated teak-specific allometric parameters and highlights sources of heterogeneity for carbon accounting in tropical forests.

🏢実務担当者:Offers evidence-based parameters for carbon offset project developers working with teak plantations, improving accuracy of carbon stock estimates.

🏛政策担当者:Demonstrates the need for species- and site-specific factors in national forest carbon inventories to reduce uncertainty in climate mitigation reporting.

Teak ( Tectona grandis ) is a highly valuable tropical hardwood species that provides substantial economic returns and important ecological functions, including carbon (C) sequestration benefits. Accurate estimation of C stocks in teak forests is critical for climate mitigation. Yet, current assessments are constrained by methodological inconsistencies and the widespread use of generalized parameters, such as biomass expansion factor (BEF), C conversion factor (CCF), and root-to-shoot ratio (RSR). Here, we systematically reviewed 111 publications and conducted a meta-analysis of 59 studies to develop a global synthesis of teak-specific biomass and C accounting parameters. The compiled dataset is geographically uneven, with most studies originating from Asia and comparatively limited data from Africa and Latin America. Our results revealed that stems account for the majority of total tree biomass (66.9%), followed by branches (16.6%), roots (12.8%), and foliage (≤ 3.7%), indicating predominant C allocation in long-lived woody components. The pooled mean BEF was 1.66, and the mean RSR was 0.23. Mean C concentrations were 48.9% in stem biomass, 44.2% in understorey vegetation, and 42.8% in litter. However, heterogeneity was consistently high across studies, indicating substantial variability associated with differences in site conditions, stand characteristics, and methodological approaches. These findings demonstrate that uniform application of BEF, RSR, and CCF can introduce systematic bias in teak C estimates. We recommend the adoption of species- and site-specific parameters, inclusion of coarse woody debris, and standardized, depth-explicit soil protocols to improve accuracy and comparability. Overall, this synthesis provides an evidence-based framework for teak C assessments and highlights the role of sustainably managed teak plantations in climate-change mitigation.

• openalex https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101276first seen 2026-05-05 19:41:14