Seagrass soil carbon at two different designation zones in Karimunjawa National Park

Abstract This study aims to reveal the potential of sediment carbon in seagrass ecosystems in Karimunjawa National Park (KNP). Two seagrass sites located at two different zones in KNP were chosen as study sites i.e., Menjangan Besar (utilization zone) and Sintok (protection zone). There were nine soil cores for each 100×100 m 2 site. There were three parameters used for estimating soil carbon stock i.e., compaction factor, dry bulk density, and Corg content (% soil dry weight). To collect the seagrass sediment, a PVC corer (length of 80 cm and diameter of 5.5 cm) was applied. Laboratory analysis showed that soil carbon stock at Sintok is 63.54±16.96 MgCorg/ha (mean±SE) in the top 58 cm of soil, whereas at Menjangan Besar is 65.32±11.71 MgCorg/ha (mean±SE) in the top 65 cm of soil. The result of T-test analysis showed that there was no significant difference in soil carbon stock between two sites. These seagrass soil carbon values highlight the need for implementing better management strategies in conserving seagrass ecosystems, particularly in managing zoning areas in KNP.