THE ABILITY OF MANGROVE AREAS TO CONSERVES CARBON STOCK IN SEMI ARID REGION

Above ground trees and poles biomass was estimated in Avicennie marina, Rhizophora stylosa and Sonneratia alba of mangrove forest in Oebelo, Central Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The research was conducted from January 2013 to July 2013, and undestructive method was used trees and poles, which having a diameter of less than 5 cm and over. Choosing the allometric equation based on the difficulties and practicality to get variable in the field become considerations. Results shows that carbon stock pattern different between all of trees and poles, and increasing ranging of diameter will followed of biomass and carbon stock in all trees and poles. Species that contributed the largest amount of carbon was Sonneratia alba with the total carbon stored in all individuals of this species of about 59 % of the total biomass stored on the research areas. This species had high number of individuals, high average of diameter and height. At areas of research, Sonneratia alba shared a maximum of 59 % of the total biomass, while, Rhizophora stylosa and Avicennia marina shared 38 % and 3 % respectively.