Carbono fixado (tC/ha/ano)

This calculator estimates the amount of carbon fixed by ecological restoration projects in tropical areas. The value is expressed in tons of carbon per hectare per year (tC/ha/year). The tool uses a default tropical average rate of 5 tC/ha/year, widely accepted for regrowing forests, but allows adjustments based on specific project characteristics such as vegetation type, planting density, stand age, and local soil and climate conditions. The result helps dimension the carbon sequestration potential and support management decisions.

The calculation is straightforward: multiply the project area (in hectares) by the adjusted fixation rate (tC/ha/year). The default rate of 5 tC/ha/year is a benchmark for tropical forests and can be increased or decreased based on factors like fast-growing species or degraded soils. The tool may also include a time factor, allowing estimation of total carbon fixed over several years. Keep in mind that carbon fixation is not linear: young trees fix less, and the rate increases until maturity.

When to use? This calculator is recommended in the early planning stages of restoration projects, to quickly estimate sequestration potential and compare scenarios. It is also useful for environmental impact reports, carbon credit proposals, and sustainability reports. It does not replace detailed field measurements but offers a reliable first approximation. Avoid using it for official certification without validation by specific methodologies (e.g., VCS or ARR).

Important precautions: The fixation rate varies greatly with region, soil type, rainfall, altitude, and management practices. Exotic species or monocultures may fix less carbon than biodiversity-rich native forests. Also, the calculation does not consider soil carbon emissions or existing carbon stocks. For carbon credit projects, hiring specialists and following recognized protocols is essential. This tool provides an educational estimate and does not guarantee actual sequestration values.