Quantifying carbon storage potential of urban plantations and landscapes in Muscat, Oman

Abstract

Arid urban green spaces provide numerous environmental benefits including carbon sequestration. This study assesses the carbon stock potential of urban tree plantations and turf grass landscapes in selected locations in Muscat, Oman. Urban trees and turf grasses were sampled via 30 × 30 m and 0.25 × 0.25 m quadrats, respectively. The carbon stocks were then determined via biomass models and a total organic carbon analyzer. In addition, the estimated stocks were quantified in monetary benefits according to US EPA approach. Following the measurement of 1768 trees, the study results showed that urban green spaces within Oman store approximately 11,100 ton/ha of CO2 eq. Also, the social benefit of the stored CO2 was estimated to be $ 621,100 (OMR 244,772). Roadside plantations revealed higher carbon sequestration potentials compared to plantations in public institutions, open spaces and public parks due to increases in roadside greenery with high biomass plantations. However, there is no statistical difference among the carbon stocks for the four land use types (p < 0.05). Turf grass carbon stocks were estimated to be 0.604 ± 0.09 kg C m−2. This is the first study in an arid urban area where comprehensive carbon stock has been conducted. Thus, sustainable urban greenery projects through planting of high biomass trees are essential as it may enhance carbon stock potentials in arid environments.