| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction: One of the key strategies for reducing the negative effects of climate change is to increase carbon storage in plant biomass through afforestation with suitable species. An accurate economic estimate of carbon sequestration in afforestation projects can be useful for attracting investments and financial support from both the public and private sectors for these projects. The aim of the present study is to economically evaluate carbon storage in the aboveground biomass (trunk, crown, and litter) of 28-year-old plantations of Quercus castaneifolia CA Mey., Alnus subcordata CA Mey. and Acer velutinum Bioss. in the Darabkola educational-research forest in Sari. Material and Methods: In this study, after identifying and locating the desired stands, five square sample plots of 400 square meters were established, and the diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of all trees were measured. Additionally, litter samples were collected from the central part of each sample plot, and the average depth of litter was measured at five random points. The biomass calculation for each tree was performed using allometric equations. Finally, after calculating the carbon storage of the trees (differentiated by trunk and crown) and the carbon storage of the litter, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent absorbed by them was determined, and the economic value of carbon sequestration for these plantations was calculated in dollars. Results: Based on the results, the depth of litter in the three stands of Quercus castaneifolia, Alnus subcordata, and Acer velutinum was 4.54, 3.98, and 3.52 cm, respectively, while the weight of the litter was 17.02, 15.11, and 8.38 t/ha, respectively. The average CO2 storage of each tree in Quercus castaneifolia, Alnus subcordata, and Acer velutinum was 390, 580 and 520 kg, respectively. Additionally, the three studied stands had a volume of 220.94, 312.92, and 318.15 m3/ha, respectively, which over a period of 28 years stored 101.50, 80.75, and 98.01 t/ha of carbon in their trunks, crowns, and litter. This indicates the absorption of CO2 equivalent to 372, 296, and 360 t/ha for these three species. The economic value of removing this amount of CO2from the atmosphere and storing it in aboveground biomass (aerial parts and litter) is estimated to be $27,937, $22,225, and $26,977 per hectare for the Quercus castaneifolia, Alnus subcordata, and Acer velutinum stands, respectively. Conclusion: In general, Quercus castaneifolia and Acer velutinum have stored higher amounts of aboveground carbon per unit area compared to Alnus subcordata. However, when calculating the individual tree’s contribution to carbon storage in each stand, Alnus subcordata, and Acer velutinum trees show greater potential in this regard compared to Quercus castaneifolia. Therefore, considering these results, Acer velutinum is recommended as a more suitable option for future carbon storage projects. In the future, further studies are needed to investigate the carbon storage in the underground organs and soil under the coverage of these species. |