Section 3.5

    CO₂ Removal from Dead Organic Matter (DOM)

    As shown in the overall equation, one of the components contributing to CO₂ removal is Dead Organic Matter (DOM). In mangrove ecosystems, DOM includes decaying materials such as dead wood, fallen leaves, and other organic matter. These materials capture and store carbon that was initially absorbed from the atmosphere during the growth of the plants. Over time, as this organic matter decomposes, it continues to play a role in carbon cycling within the ecosystem. The corresponding equation for calculating the CO₂ removal from DOM is as follows:

    CO2 by DOM (tCO2/year)=DOM Sequestration Rate (tC/ha/year)×Area (ha)×C to CO2 factor\text{CO}_2\text{ by DOM}\ (t\text{CO}_2/\text{year}) = \text{DOM Sequestration Rate}\ (t\text{C}/\text{ha}/\text{year}) \times \text{Area}\ (\text{ha}) \times \text{C to CO}_2\text{ factor}
    (3.5)

    However, according to the IPCC 2006 Guidelines, the transfer of carbon into DOM (from dead wood, fallen leaves, and other organic material) is generally assumed to be in equilibrium with the transfer out of DOM. This balance is based on the understanding that over time, the input of organic matter through leaf drop and other biological processes is counteracted by the decomposition and export of organic material, such as through tidal movements. As a result of this natural equilibrium, the net change in carbon stored in DOM is considered negligible, meaning that the amount of carbon entering and leaving the DOM pool is roughly equal.

    To mitigate the risk of overestimation, Carbontribe adopts a conservative approach and assumes that the annual change in CO₂ removal from DOM is zero. This precaution prevents potential double-counting and ensures that carbon impacts from biomass and soil carbon stocks are fully captured without duplication.
    CO₂ Removal from Below-ground Biomass (BGB)CO₂ Removal from Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)