Carbon storage potential of avenue trees: a comparison of Barringtonia racemosa, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Alnus formosana

Abstract

Trees in cities play a valuable public health role for they are able to use photosynthesis to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is then stored as tree biomass. The present study compared the potential for carbon storage in the aboveground tree biomass of 3-year-old specimens of Barringtonia racemosa, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Alnus formosana grown in Chiayi City, Taiwan. Assessment of the carbon storage of avenue trees was based on measurement of the photosynthetic rate and leaf area, as well as the biomass of timbers, from October 2008 to 2009. Based on photosynthetic rates and leaf area, the estimated carbon stocks of B. racemosa, C. glauca, and A. formosana are 756, 615, and 2738 kg Cha⁻¹ a⁻¹, respectively. In addition, carbon storage can be estimated based on timber volume, and these results are 1170, 720, and 1995 kg Cha⁻¹ a⁻¹ for B. racemosa, C. glauca, and A. formosana, respectively. Based on these findings, A. formosana has the highest carbon fixation potential of these three trees. Although the photosynthetic rate measurements can provide detailed data on the diurnal changes in carbon stocks, this requires more time and labor. In contrast, timber volume measurements provide a rapid and convenient way to estimate carbon stocks.

Keywords

Carbon dioxide / Carbon stock / Greenhouse gas / Leaf area / Timber volume

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