FEED Research Grant Call: AXA Forest Carbon Stock Assessment

5 April 2025, UP Laguna Quezon Land Grant, Siniloan, Laguna. FEED is pleased to announce a research grant opportunity for students and researchers to conduct a carbon stock assessment of the AXA Reforestation Site in the Philippines. This study aims to provide true metrics on the forest’s carbon sequestration potential, supporting AXA’s sustainability goals and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Grant Details

  • Funding covers research expenses, fieldwork, and analysis, subject to availability
  • Duration: 6 months (1-2 semesters)
  • Location: AXA Reforestation Sites

-1st Planting Site: 14°29’12″N, 121°31’14″E (750 trees) – November 9, 2024
– 2nd Planting Site: 14°29’10″N, 121°30’57″E (1,000 trees) – March 29, 2025
– 3rd Planting Site: *Coordinates TBC* (1,250 trees) – July 4, 2025

  • Research Objectives
    The study will estimate the carbon stock of the AXA forest using allometric equations, field measurements, and lab analysis, including:
  1. Tree Inventory: Measure DBH (diameter at breast height), height, and species composition.
  2. Soil Sampling: Assess soil organic carbon (SOC) content.
  3. Undergrowth & Litter Sampling: Estimate carbon stored in understory vegetation and forest litter.
  4. Carbon Stock Calculation:
    – Apply allometric equations (e.g., Chave et al., Brown) for biomass estimation.
    – Convert biomass to carbon stock (45-50% carbon fraction).
    – Sum carbon from trees, soil, and undergrowth for total forest carbon stock.
  5. Scaling & Reporting: Extrapolate plot-level data to the entire forest and provide actionable insights for forest management.

Additional Guidance from FEED Former Scholar Kyle Cancino:

  1. Biomass and carbon of plants prior to sequestration to deliver a Baseline
  2. And another measurement in a year so that time series data can be collected/compared/analyzed
  3. Consider allometric time series data
  4. Consider focus on species composition and land use history
  5. For species composition in the newly restored area, consider ranking the species based on their biomass and the amount of carbon they sequester. This would help identify which species have the best potential for carbon stock sequestration.
  6. Regarding land use, it is generally true that more trees mean more carbon. However, we could look deeper, especially into soil carbon, which is often under-measured. For instance, we can compare soil carbon loss between secondary forests and logged areas.
  7. For the allometric equations (point 2), Chave’s and Brown’s equations apply only to trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 5 cm and up to 156 cm. Therefore, they are not suitable for seedlings. If we want to compare carbon in secondary growth forests with restored areas that include seedlings, we could use Chave’s and Brown’s, but for the seedlings, we need to use allometric equations specifically developed for seedlings.

Consider checking these papers as a starting point:

Furthermore, the SOC can be measured at different depths (e.g., 0–20 cm, 20–50 cm, 50–100 cm). Since we are dealing with trees, deeper measurements are possible. However, for a baseline study, I suggest measuring up to 0–30 cm, compositing this depth, and collecting replicate samples to ensure more robust data. Measuring at multiple depths is more applicable if we want to compare carbon storage across layers.

For seedlings, maybe measure shoot height and root collar diameter (RCD) instead of DBH because RCD is the one used in the allometric equations for seedling biomass.

As for other factors affecting carbon stock, such as climate and disturbances, these are best assessed through models like InVEST or using remote sensing technologies. However, this is more suitable for graduate-level work.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, or environmental science professionals from UPLB
  • Must have a background in forestry, environmental science, ecology, or related fields.
  • Strong academic record (minimum grade requirement 1.25 applies).

Application Process
Fill out the application form at: https://feed.org.ph/directory-of-environmental-education-institutions-in-the-philippines/scholarships/scholarship-requirements/
Submit required documents:

  • Transcript of Records (TOR)
  • Research proposal (max 5 pages) outlining methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Screening Process:

  • Academic review (minimum grades required)
  • Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview with the FEED Board

Expected Deliverables

  • Final report with Allometric time series data on carbon stock calculations, forest health assessment, and recommendations.
  • Presentation of findings to FEED and AXA stakeholders.
  • Data for AXA’s sustainability reporting and future reforestation planning.

FAQs

  • Are accommodations included?  The selected student/ researcher may directly coordinate with UP Land Grant Management Office to make arrangements for their stay at the Land Grant.
  • Does the grant include pocket money? It is up to the student how to utilize and budget the amount granted (transportation, lab analysis, etc.).
  • How long is the duration of the study? One Semester.

Why Apply?

  • Contribute to real-world climate action by quantifying forest carbon sequestration.
  • Gain field research experience in forest ecology and carbon assessment.
  • Receive funding and mentorship from FEED’s environmental experts.

Contact Information
For applications, please email: info@feed.org.ph