An Integer Programming Approach to Optimize the Plantation in Order to Reduce Global Warming
The objective of this paper is to determine the number and species of trees to be planted in order to maximize a profit through an integer linear programming model. The mathematical model is developed in terms of the profit function. This objective function is therefore, a difference between carbon credit revenue and costs of plantation. The economical plants are only considered in the model. Consequently, fourteen different tree species are to be investigated. The objective function is subjected to several constraints i.e. planting area, carbon sequestration and so on. The planting envelope of each tree is assigned 4 by 4 meters. In this paper, the Eastern part of Thailand is considered the case study. It is found that three kinds of plants, Copper pod, Cananga, and Bullet wood are suitable for planting. A number of trees to be planted in 1600 square meter are twenty, thirty, and fifty plants respectively. The profit earned is of 12,112 $ per year in the next fifth year.