Total Carbon Sequestration of Soil and Plant Biomass on Subak Ricefields in Yeh Ho Watershed, Bali, Indonesia

The study titled “Total Carbon Sequestration in Soil and Plant Biomass in Subak Rice Fields within the Yeh Ho Watershed, Bali, Indonesia” aims to measure and analyze the total carbon sequestration stored in soil and plant biomass within the traditional Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage of Bali. Beyond its cultural significance, Subak plays a critical ecological role in sustaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change.

The research was conducted across several Homogeneous Land Units (HLUs) within the Yeh Ho Watershed using a combination of field surveys and laboratory analyses. Measured parameters included soil organic carbon (SOC), above- and belowground plant biomass, as well as carbon content in litter and understory vegetation. The collected data were used to estimate total carbon stocks and compare sequestration capacities among different land uses such as rice fields, mixed gardens, and forested areas.

Results revealed that forested and mixed-garden lands stored the highest carbon stocks, while intensively managed rice fields showed the lowest values due to practices such as residue burning and frequent tillage. These findings highlight that agroforestry systems and sustainable land management can significantly enhance carbon sequestration capacity in agricultural landscapes.

This research provides a scientific foundation for low-carbon agricultural policy development and supports the conservation of the Subak system as a vital carbon sink ecosystem in Bali, contributing to both local and global climate change mitigation efforts.