Carbon sequestration potential of different types of trees

written by: Priyakshi Sarma

All trees sequester carbon, but not at the same rate. Trees store carbon in trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. Determining which tree species have the highest carbon absorption potential is difficult. No single species is best in sequestering carbon and different sources report different data. On average, the carbon sequestration potential of a tree ranges from? 20 to over 50 kg CO2 per year, over an average time span of 20 to over 30 years.

The higher the carbon sequestration potential of a tree, the more effective it is in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. The carbon sequestration potential of a tree depends on many factors, such as age, species, wood density, and the climate in which the tree is growing.?

Some of the key aspects of carbon sequestration potential of trees are:

• Absorption Rate: This refers to ?the rate at which a tree absorbs and stores carbon from the atmosphere. Generally fast fast-growing trees have higher initial absorption rates than the slow-growing ones.
• Storage Capacity: The total amount of carbon that can be stored over the tree’s lifespan. This is determined by the tree’s size, age, and wood density.
• Storage Duration: The length of time? a tree can store captured atmospheric carbon in its system. Some trees can store atmospheric carbon for centuries or even millennia, while others release carbon back into the atmosphere relatively quickly.

Generally, trees with the following features are most efficient in carbon absorption:

• Large trunks and dense wood
• Large leaves and wide crowns
• Fast-growing
• Native species
• Low-maintenance, i.e. no need for fertilizers and chemicals

Carbon sequestration potential of different types of trees with some of the features mentioned above are:

Deciduous Trees: Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and grow new ones in the spring. Temperate deciduous forests are found in North America and Northeast Asia, while tropical deciduous forests are found in the northeastern states of India. These trees are very effective for carbon sequestration as they have large leaves that allow more carbon dioxide absorption. Being fast-growing trees, they can sequester carbon quickly and efficiently. Their long lifespan allows them to sequester carbon for extended periods. Some examples are Red Oak, American sweetgum, Silver Maple, Black Walnut, etc.

Coniferous Trees: Coniferous forests bear cones, have needle-like leaves, and are evergreen, i.e. they keep their needles throughout the year. These forests are found in the Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, below the Arctic Circle, and in the temperate regions. Coniferous trees, being fast-growing and long-lived, are also effective at sequestering carbon. Most of the tree species are valuable for reforestation projects. Some examples include Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Giant Sequoia, Pine, and Sitka Spruce.

Tropical Trees: Tropical trees are mainly found in the wet tropical uplands and the lowlands around the Equator. They are broad-leaved and form dense upper canopies. These trees grow rapidly, have dense wood, and have a long lifespan. They can have some of the highest rates of carbon sequestration due to favorable growing conditions year-round. Some examples are Teak, Mahogany, Mangroves, and Acacia.

Some studies found fruit trees contribute significantly to atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction through carbon sequestration. They are believed to absorb considerable quantities of atmospheric carbon, because of their structural differences from annual crops.?

Thus, planting such trees with proper care and management can significantly remove atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, as trees are one of the most powerful natural tools for combating climate change. However, mixed-species plantations contribute more to long-term carbon storage than monoculture plantations.