OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT OF CARBON AND TIMBER VALUES OF MELIA DUBIA USING MARKOV DECISION PROCESS

R. RAVIKUMAR¹*, M. TILAK², K. DIVYA³, M. VIJAYABHAMA⁴, S. SRIDEVY⁵, K. SIVAKUMAR⁶, T. BHUVANESHWARI^7
1Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, 641301, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
²Horicultural Research Station, Ooty, 643001, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
³Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, 641301, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
⁴Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, 641301, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
⁵Department of Physical Science and Information Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
⁶Department of Remote sensing and GIS,Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
⁷Department of Sericulture, Forest College & Research Institute, Mettupalayam, 641301, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
* Corresponding Author : ravisugankr@gmail.com

Received : 11-02-2020     Accepted : 13-04-2020     Published : 15-04-2020
Volume : 12     Issue : 7       Pages : 9686 - 9688
Int J Agr Sci 12.7 (2020):9686-9688

Keywords : Markov Decision Process (MDP), Harvest value, Carbon sequestered by trees
Academic Editor : K.C.S. Warrier, K.D. Gharde
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : Authors are thankful to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
Author Contribution : All authors equally contributed

This paper elucidates the steady state species management decision following adaptive strategy of maximum value from timber and carbon sequestration in southern Tamil Nadu with particular reference to Melia dubia. Markov Decision Process (MDP) models offer an analytical tractable approach to seek optimal policies that are straight forward for implementation in practice. This decision criterion is Harvest value, carbon sequestered by trees, diversity of tree species and size, and fraction of old-growth stands in the farmer land. With regard to carbon sequestration on a long run, high carbon prices eventually promote growing single type of tree species which would maximize expected economical returns. This study finds evidence of long term economic and ecological outcome in growing Melia dubia in farm lands upholding the concept of trees outside forest.

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