Carbon Sequestration Potential Research Articles

Optimizing land use for climate mitigation using nature based solution (NBS) strategy: a study on afforestation potential and carbon sequestration in Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan faces significant environmental challenges, including the pressing need for effective climate change mitigation strategies. Recognizing afforestation as a vital tool in this endeavor, this study leverages the latest in remote sensing and geospatial analysis to map out the state's afforestation potential. The goal is to assess land suitability across Rajasthan for afforestation projects and evaluate the potential carbon sequestration capabilities of different tree species. This aims to inform sustainable land management strategies that can contribute to climate change mitigation. By integrating satellite imagery, land cover data, terrain analysis, and vegetation indices, the study evaluates environmental factors such as slope, soil moisture, and vegetation health to identify areas optimal for tree planting. A carbon sequestration model was also developed to estimate sequestration rates based on species-specific growth patterns. Findings indicate that approximately 40% of Rajasthan is suitable for afforestation, with potential carbon sequestration rates ranging from 2 to 8 tons per hectare per year. Species such as Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) are identified as particularly effective for short-term sequestration, while Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Ber) are better suited for long-term carbon capture. This research highlights the importance of targeted afforestation using suitable tree species as a nature-based solution (NBS) for climate change mitigation in Rajasthan. The study offers a data-driven approach to enhancing ecosystem resilience and supports decision-making for climate adaptation in arid regions, highlighting the significant potential of Rajasthan's land for carbon sequestration through afforestation.

Adaptive stacked species distribution modelling: Novel approaches to large scale quantification of blue carbon to support marine management

This study introduces a novel concept of ‘Adaptively Stacked’ Species Distribution Models (AS-SDMs) to predict blue carbon habitat distribution, abundance, carbon stocks, and carbon sequestration potential in Orkney. AS-SDMs are built from Weighted Boosted Regression Trees (WBRTs) that adaptively stack blue carbon sediment thickness, sediment carbon content, and sequestration potential to predicted abundance. A novel method to describe substrate types by relative inputs of mud, sand, and gravel is detailed that better characterises the determining factors of seagrass, maerl, and horse mussel abundance. This study also introduces a novel use of indexes to mitigate double counting issues of mixed species distribution models.Seagrass, maerl, horse mussel, and mixed seagrass and maerl (SGM) habitats are estimated to cover a maximum area of 657 km2 in Orkney, have a total sediment carbon stock of 16 Mt. C, and sequester 6000 t C yr−1. Applying a conservative threshold of 50 % abundance to habitat predictions, six key potential areas of blue carbon offset projects are identified. These areas cover just over 9 km2, have a total carbon stock of 330,000 t C, and sequester 330 t C yr−1. When applied to UK carbon credit value, assuming integration with voluntary markets and compliance with accreditation criteria, the habitats in these areas have a potential value of £24.5 million. If applied as annual values, these areas have carbon stocks with a potential value of £0.93 million yr−1 and a carbon sequestration potential value of £24,000 yr−1.

Microbial regulation on refractory dissolved organic matter in inland waters

The production of refractory dissolved organic matter (RDOM) is complex and closely related to microbial consortia in aquatic ecosystems; however, it is still unclear how microorganisms regulate the production of RDOM and its molecular composition in inland waters. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale survey of inland waters and analyzed the optical and mass spectrometric characteristics of DOM, the microbial community and functional genes, as well as related environmental parameters, to understand the abovementioned issues. Here, the RDOM production was found mainly regulated by microbial (e.g., phylogeny and community assembly) rather than other environmental factors in inland waters. Biostatistical analyses and carbon isotopic evidence indicated that the successive microbial processing from labile DOM to RDOM (i.e., carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules, CRAMs) was widely present in inland waters, involving the microbially mediated carbon skeleton turnover and heteroatom conversion. There was a significant empirical relationship between CRAMs and the ratio of Proteobacteria to Actinobacteria, highlighting the intraspecific interaction of bacteria more important than other microbial groups (i.e., archaea, eukaryotes, and fungi) for the RDOM production. This study demonstrated a fundamental role of microbial regulation in RDOM production within the inland waters, thereby facilitating future estimation of carbon sequestration potential in inland aquatic ecosystems.

Impact of extreme pre-monsoon drought on xylogenesis and intra-annual radial increments of two tree species in a tropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forest, southwest China.

Tropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests cover the majority of forest areas and have high carbon storage in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. However, stem radial growth dynamics and their correlations with climate factors have never been analyzed in this forest type. By combining bi-weekly microcoring and high-resolution dendrometer measurements, we monitored xylogenesis and stem radius variations of the deciduous species Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don and the evergreen species Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. We analyzed the relationships between weekly climate variables prior to sampling and the enlarging zone width or wall-thickening zone width, as well as weekly radial increments and climate factors during two consecutive years (2020 to 2021) showing contrasting hydrothermal conditions in the pre-monsoon season. In the year 2020, which was characterized by a warmer and drier pre-monsoon season, the onset of xylogenesis and radial increments of B. alnoides and S. wallichii were delayed by three months and one month, respectively, compared with the year 2021. In 2020, xylem formation and radial increments were significantly reduced for B. alnoides, but not for S. wallichii. The thickness of enlarging zone and wall-thickening zone in S. wallichii were positively correlated with relative humidity, and minimum and mean air temperature, but were negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit during 2020 to 2021. The radial increments of both species showed significant positive correlations with precipitation and relative humidity, and negative correlations with vapor pressure deficit and maximum air temperature during two years. Our findings reveal that drier pre-monsoon conditions strongly delay growth initiation and reduce stem radial growth, providing deep insights to understand tree growth and carbon sequestration potential in tropical forests under a predicted increase in frequent drought events.

China's future forest carbon sequestration potential under different management scenarios

Enhancing forest carbon storage and carbon sequestration capacity is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. Scientific forest management can maintain a high level of carbon sequestration capacity in forests, and considering the carbon pool of wood products can extend the time of carbon fixation. However, current predictions of large-scale forest carbon storage and carbon sequestration capacity have overlooked changes in forest carbon absorption with forest age and the buffering effect of wood product carbon pools in the carbon release process. In this paper, we used the Forest Simulation and Optimization System model (FSOS) to analyze the wood supply and carbon sequestration capacities of different management scenarios based on data from the Forest Resources Inventory (2014–2018). The results showed that China's forests could export significant amounts of timber in the future; According to the 9th forest survey report, China's forests produce only 88 million m3 yr-1. Among them, the harvested objects were mainly planted forests, and if all forests (planted forests and natural forests) are involved in forest management planning, the maximum sustainable annual wood supply will reach 286 million m3 yr-1. Moreover, due to the current large proportion of younger forests in China, 358 million m3 of annual wood supply will be achievable in the future (as of the year 2039). Forest management can increase the carbon sequestration capacities in forest ecosystems as well as the wood supply compared to the no management options. In summary, the carbon sequestration potential of unmanaged forests is limited. Appropriate forest management can increase the carbon sequestration potential of forests. The substitution of carbon emission reduction of wood products and bioenergy can also greatly reduce the pressure to achieve carbon neutral strategies.

Screening Cover Crops for Utilization in Irrigated Vineyards: A Greenhouse Study on Species' Nitrogen Uptake and Carbon Sequestration Potential.

This study examines the potential of 23 plant species, comprising 10 legumes, 9 grasses, and 4 forbs, as cover crops to enhance carbon (C) sequestration and soil nitrogen (N) in vineyards. After a 120-day evaluation period, cover crop biomass was incorporated into the soil, and grapevine seedlings were planted in its place. Among the established cover crops, the C input potential ranged from 0.267 to 1.69 Mg ha-1, and the N input potential ranged from 12.3 to 114 kg ha-1. Legume species exhibited up to threefold greater shoot dry weight (SDW) compared to grass species. Ladino white clover, Dutch white clover, and Clover blend were superior in SDW, total dry weight (TDW), total C content, and total N content. Legumes exhibited slightly higher root dry weight (RDW) than grasses, with the exception of Fall rye leading at 15 g pot-1, followed by Ladino white clover and Dutch white clover at an average of 12 g pot-1. Legumes, particularly clover blend and Alsike clover, displayed high shoot N concentration at an average of 2.95%. Root N concentration in Legumes (Fabaceae) were significantly higher at 1.82% compared to other plant families at 0.89%, while their root C/N ratio was lower at 18.3, contrasting with others at 27.7, resulting in a faster turnover. Biomass production exhibited a negative relationship (R2 = 0.51) with soil residual NO3-. Fall rye, Winfred brassica, and buckwheat had the highest N utilization efficiency (NUtE) values (ava. 121 g g-1). Alsike clover, Ladino white clover, and clover blend showed the highest N uptake efficiency (NUpE) values (ava. 75%). The Readily Available N (RAN) Reliance Index (RANRI) is introduced as a novel indicator for quantifying the extent to which a plant relies on RAN for its total N requirement. The RANRI value represents the percentage of the plant's total N sourced from RAN, ranging from 11% for legumes to 86% for grasses. This implies a substantial influx of nitrogen through a pathway independent of RAN in legumes. Grape shoot N concentration positively correlated with soil NO3- (R2 = 0.31) and cover crop C/N ratio (R2 = 0.17) but negatively correlated with cover crop TDW (R2 = 0.31). This study highlights legume plants as more effective in C and N assimilation during establishment but cautions about potential soil mineral N depletion before reaching their full biological N fixation capacity.

Recycling Agricultural Waste to Enhance Sustainable Greenhouse Agriculture: Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness and Agronomic Benefits of Bokashi and Biochar Byproducts as Soil Amendments in Citrus Nursery Production

Applying bokashi (Bok) at 10% volume/volume (v/v), biochar (BC) at 10% v/v, and their combination (Bok_BC) as soil amendments significantly enhances citrus nursery production, improving plant growth and soil health, alongside offering notable economic benefits. Our greenhouse experiment evaluated these treatments across two fertilizer doses, at half (700 μS/cm) and full (1400 μS/cm) electrical conductivity (EC) levels, compared to a control mix, demonstrating improved nutrient availability, water retention, growth rates, and potential for carbon sequestration. Based on the results of this experiment, a cost–benefit analysis was performed; the BC treatment yielded substantial savings, particularly in large nurseries where BC at 700 μS/cm electrical conductivity (EC) saved USD 1356.38 per day and the same treatment at 1400 μS/cm EC saved USD 1857.53. These savings stem from increased nutrient contents (N, P, and K) and improved water retention, reducing irrigation; shortened growth cycles due to enhanced growth rates were observed, indirectly suggesting reduced electricity costs for greenhouse operations. Additionally, the increased carbon content within the soil points toward long-term benefits from carbon sequestration, further contributing to the sustainability and economic viability of these practices. These findings highlight the economic advantage of incorporating Bok and BC into soil mixes, providing a cost-effective strategy for enhancing greenhouse agriculture sustainability.

Close-to-nature management of tropical timber plantations is economically viable and provides biodiversity benefits

Abstract Reforestation of tropical forests is crucial to mitigate the climate crisis and restore ecosystems. However, past efforts have been criticized for establishing monoculture timber plantations with exotic tree species. Close-to-nature (CTN) practices aim to minimize negative forest management impacts on forests ecosystems by mimicking natural dynamics. So far, CTN management practices are rarely applied in tropical plantation forestry. This study evaluates the economic, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity potential of CTN management in tropical mixed-species plantations in Central America using a simulation-optimization approach. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the potential of tropical CTN-managed plantations on the basis of detailed process-based forest growth simulations. CTN practices such as selective harvesting, retention forestry, and shelterwood cutting of mixed-species stands were compared to even-aged mixtures and conventional monoculture practices. Results showed that CTN management was economically viable for certain species mixtures and management practices at an 8 % discount rate and had the potential to increase carbon storage and biodiversity in the modeled plantations. At current carbon prices, CTN-managed plantations may only become financially competitive with monocultures, if monocultures are excluded from carbon certification schemes that increasingly aim at co-producing non-carbon benefits like biodiversity conservation. If carbon prices increase, the sale of carbon credits could finance the transformation of monocultures to CTN-managed mixed-species stands. The competitiveness of CTN management could also be improved through performance-based biodiversity payments, such as the sale of biodiversity credits.

Assessing global carbon sequestration and bioenergy potential from microalgae cultivation on marginal lands leveraging machine learning

This comprehensive study unveils the vast global potential of microalgae as a sustainable bioenergy source, focusing on the utilization of marginal lands and employing advanced machine learning techniques to predict biomass productivity. By identifying approximately 7.37 million square kilometers of marginal lands suitable for microalgae cultivation, this research uncovers the extensive potential of these underutilized areas, particularly within equatorial and low-latitude regions, for microalgae bioenergy development. This approach mitigates the competition for food resources and conserves freshwater supplies. Utilizing cutting-edge machine learning algorithms based on robust datasets from global microalgae cultivation experiments spanning 1994 to 2017, this study integrates essential environmental variables to map out a detailed projection of potential yields across a variety of landscapes. The analysis further delineates the bioenergy and carbon sequestration potential across two effective cultivation methods: Photobioreactors (PBRs), and Open Ponds, with PBRs showcasing exceptional productivity, with a global average daily biomass productivity of 142.81mgL−1d−1, followed by Open Ponds at 122.57mgL−1d−1. Projections based on optimal PBR conditions suggest an annual yield of 99.54 gigatons of microalgae biomass. This yield can be transformed into 64.70 gigatons of biodiesel, equivalent to 58.68 gigatons of traditional diesel, while sequestering 182.16 gigatons of CO2, equating to approximately 4.5 times the global CO2 emissions projected for 2023. Notably, Australia leads in microalgae biomass production, with an annual output of 16.19 gigatons, followed by significant contributions from Kazakhstan, Sudan, Brazil, the United States, and China, showcasing the diverse global potential for microalgae bioenergy across varying ecological and geographical landscapes. Through this rigorous investigation, the study emphasizes the strategic importance of microalgae cultivation in achieving sustainable energy solutions and mitigating climate change, while also acknowledging the scalability challenges and the necessity for significant economic and energy investments.

Soil organic carbon sequestration potential explained by mineralogical and microbiological activity using spectral transfer functions

The ability of soil to sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations is limited and depends on the soil minerals and their interaction with the microbiota. Microbial activities are closely associated with the types and amounts of soil organic matter (SOM) and clay minerals that have functional groups that interact with energy in Vis NIR-SWIR and Mid-IR wavelengths. The main objective of this research was to determine, based on these spectral ranges, the relation between mineralogical and organic compounds, as their sequestration and specialization in soils from Brazil. It was possible to map microbiological activity by spectral transfer functions and digital soil mapping reaching R2 from 0.77 to 0.85. Multiple regression equations were constructed to quantify enzymatic activity, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic matter (POM), and resistant forms of carbon, and SOM associated with the mineral fraction (MAOM). All these properties were detected by specific bands obtained with the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm, reaching correlations from 0.64 to 0.98 in specific ranges. The prediction model of the carbon sequestration potential was adjusted with microbiological and mineralogical variables from Vis-NIR-SWIR and the Mid-IR spectral range. A SARAR double autoregressive model was adjusted with r 0.61 and to a spatial error model (SEM) with r 0.7. The explanatory variables were associated with kaolinite, hematite, goethite, gibbsite, and the abundance of fungi, actinomycetes, vesico-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, enzymatic activity of beta-glucosidase, urease and phosphatase, and POM. Among the microbiological variables, the general abundance of fungi was the most important, in contrast to enzymatic activity that was the least important. The interaction between the different maps constructed and historical land use allowed the identification of areas that contribute to sequestering new carbon and could be the key to climate change mitigation strategies.

Tree age affects carbon sequestration potential via altering soil bacterial community composition and function.

Among various factors related to the forest carbon pool, the tree stand age, which interacts with soil organic matter, decomposition rates, and microbial activity, is essential and cannot be disregarded. However, knowledge about how tree phases influence soil carbon sinks is not adequate. This study sampled Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) plantations with different tree stand ages to investigate the temporal dynamics of soil carbon sink in the forest. Physiochemical analyses and high-throughput sequencing results further revealed the interactions of tree stands and their related rhizosphere microbiome. It was found that microbial composition and metabolic activity were significantly affected by different tree ages, whose structures gradually diversified and became more stable from young to mature forests. Many keystone taxa from the phyla Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Nitrospirota were found to be associated with carbon transformation processes. Interestingly, the carbon resource utilization strategies of microbial groups related to tree ages also differed, with near-mature forest soils showing better labile carbon degradation capacity, and mature forests possessing higher degradation potential of recalcitrant carbon. Age-altered tree growth and physiology were found to interact with its rhizosphere microbiome, which is the driving factor in the formation and stability of forest soil carbon. This study highlighted that the tree age-associated soil microbiomes, which provided insights into their effects on soil carbon transformation, were significant in enhancing the knowledge of carbon sequestration in L. kaempferi plantations.

Aboveground biomass estimation of an old‐growth mangrove forest using airborne LiDAR in the Philippines

AbstractMonitoring mangrove forest biomass is vital for assessing their carbon sequestration potential. This study uses airborne LiDAR data to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) of an old‐growth mangrove forest in the Katunggan It Ibajay Ecopark (KII Ecopark) on Panay Island, Philippines. To establish a relationship between the LiDAR canopy height profile with the field observed AGB at the plot level, we tested 20 LiDAR derived relative height (RH) metrics. First, we tested a relationship between field observed Lorey's mean canopy height (Hm) and RH metrics, which were then used to estimate AGB by applying a previously established allometric model. Second, we tested the direct relationship between RH metrics and observed AGB. Among RH metrics, RH95 showed the best correspondence with the Hm (R2 = 0.79) and when it was applied to the previously developed allometric for AGB estimation, the results showed a large underestimation of AGB (R2 = 0.46) for plots with higher canopy heights. Conversely, the direct method using a power regression model with RH95 and observed AGB provided a better estimate (R2 = 0.58). However, both models still underestimated AGB at the KII Ecopark. We conclude that, LiDAR‐based AGB estimation using Hm as a single variable can result in considerable underestimation, especially in old‐growth mangrove forests such as KII Ecopark. Further studies are necessary to develop accurate models for estimating AGB in such special types of mangroves which is important for mangrove monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV).

Urban forest species selection for improvement of ecological benefits in Polish cities - The actual and forecast potential

Trees in cities perform important environmental functions: they produce oxygen, filter pollutants, provide habitat for wildlife, mitigate stormwater runoff, and reduce the effects of climate change, especially in terms of lowering temperatures and converting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into stored carbon. Generally, to increase the environmental benefits of urban forests, the number of trees is increased, directly influencing the canopy coverage. However, little is known about potential of modifying the species composition of urban tree communities in order to increase ecological benefits. Planting and managing trees to increase canopy is particularly challenging in city centres, where the dense, often historic infrastructure of buildings and roads do not allow for a significant increase in greenspace. Estimations of canopy cover obtained through i-Tree Canopy analysis unveiled significant potential to increase canopy cover in historical urban areas in Polish cities from 15-34% to 31–51%. This study models the ecological benefits of urban forests in Polish cities, focusing on how different species compositions can enhance environmental functions such as carbon sequestration and pollution filtration. Two main scenarios were analyzed: one involving the addition of trees based on the most common species currently planted (“standard option” SO), and another incorporating changes to the species composition to enhance ecological benefits (“city specific option” SCO). Acer platanoides (14.5%) and Tilia cordata (11.45%) were the most frequently species of Polish cities. Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum and Acer campestre were also common species in urban forest communities (up to 5%). The diverse range of tree species in Polish cities contributes significantly to the overall carbon sequestration potential. The results suggest that modifying species composition could significantly increase carbon sequestration rates by 47.8%–114% annually, with the city specific option (SCO) being the most effective in enhancing carbon sequestration potential. This highlights the importance of strategic species selection in urban forestry practices to maximize environmental benefits and mitigate climate change effects.

Land Use Transitions in the Lower Songkhram River Basin in Mekong and Its Impact on Carbon Sequestration Potential

Land Use Transitions in the Lower Songkhram River Basin in Mekong and Its Impact on Carbon Sequestration Potential

Effect of hydration degrees on the accelerated carbonization (3 % CO2) behavior of natural hydraulic lime

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL), as a low-carbon binder, possesses a significantly higher carbon sequestration potential compared to cement-based materials. This study aims to elucidate the accelerated carbonation mechanism of NHL5 by investigating the evolution of phase composition and microstructure during the accelerated carbonation process, as well as the preferential reactivity of different carbonatable components. Different hydration levels of NHL5 paste were achieved by controlling various steam curing durations (with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.5); accelerated carbonation conditions included 3±1 % CO2, 25±3°C, and 70±5 % relative humidity. The results indicate that higher hydration levels positively impact the mechanical properties of samples after carbonation. The compressive strength of the sample with carbonation curing 28 after 7 days of steam curing (S7C28) reached 45.6 MPa, and the carbon sequestration per unit mass increased. Specifically, S7C28 achieved an increase in carbon sequestration from 71.8 g/kg to 364.3 g/kg after 28 days of incomplete carbonation, while the high degree of hydration also limited the diffusion of CO2. Qualitative and quantitative analyses confirm that the carbonation reactivity in NHL5 paste follows the order: Ca(OH)2>C-S-H gel>C2S. The continuous generation of carbonation by-products, such as calcite and silica gel, fills the pores of the samples, enhancing their strength. These results suggest that higher hydration levels in NHL5 significantly promote the effectiveness of carbonation curing at a 3 % CO2 concentration, leading to improvements in mechanical performance, carbon sequestration capacity, and microstructural characteristics.

Differences in productivity and soil properties in rice-based cropping systems under long-term organic, integrated and conventional production

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of four rice-based cropping systems (rice-vegetable pea + coriander; rice-chickpea + coriander; rice-potato and rice-wheat) cultivated in long-term organic, integrated and conventional production systems on system productivity (SP), soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and soil properties. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with the production system assigned to the main plots and the cropping system to sub-plots. The results revealed that SP, SOC content and SOC sequestration in the organic system were significantly higher than in the conventional counterpart (17.1%, 59.4% and 165.9% higher, respectively). The fractions of total organic carbon followed the order: very labile carbon > non-labile carbon > labile carbon > less labile carbon. The soil in the organic system had, in general, the most improved physical (water holding capacity, bulk density), chemical (available N, P, K and S, and DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) and biological properties (dehydrogenase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activity), especially when compared with the conventional system. The legume-based cropping systems (rice-chickpea + coriander and rice-vegetable pea + coriander) enhanced the SP, SOC content and SOC sequestration by 22.6% and 46.5%, 16.3% and 11.9% and 47.5% and 29.4%, respectively, compared with the rice-wheat cropping system, with improvements also in different physical, chemical and biological soil properties. Thus, organic system with legume-based cropping (rice-chickpea + coriander and/or rice-vegetable pea + coriander) was concluded to sustain crop productivity and have greater soil carbon sequestration potential in the longer term.

Carbon budget of paddy ecosystems in China simulated by denitrification‐decomposition model

AbstractQuantifying the carbon budget in rice paddy ecosystems is fundamental to understanding the role of paddy fields as carbon sinks or sources and to mitigating global climate change. This study used a process‐based model of the denitrification‐decomposition (DNDC) model to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sinks in the paddy ecosystem across China. The simulation results showed that the GHG emissions were 0.147 Pg C‐equivalent year−1 and that the carbon sequestration in rice plants and soils reached 0.253 Pg C year−1 in 2016, indicating high carbon sequestration potential of the Chinese paddy ecosystem. Land management had a great influence on carbon budgets, among which straw residue incorporation rate and nitrogen fertilizer applications had a stronger influence on carbon budgets, particularly for double cropping rice. These results indicate that appropriate tillage practices can reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration of rice ecosystems while ensuring rice yields.

Opportunities and implementation pathway for China’s forestry development under the “Dual Carbon” strategy

The “Dual Carbon” initiative is a two-stage carbon reduction goal proposed by China, with significant implications for global climate change mitigation. This article examines the impact of the “Dual Carbon” strategy on China's forestry development and explores how to leverage this strategy to facilitate the transformation and advancement of the forestry sector. Current review indicated that forestry has the advantage of achieving higher emission reduction targets at a low cost. Starting with an overview of the “Dual Carbon” strategy, this paper analyzes the carbon sequestration potential of plants and soil, and the challenges and opportunities faced by forestry development under this framework. Furthermore, we outline implementation pathways for forestry development, aiming to provide insights for the progress of China's forestry sector. Overall, it should be noted that the priority is to vigorously develop timber resources, and we also need to vigorously develop and protect forestry talent with the support of China's policies. By trapping into the carbon storage capabilities and leveraging carbon trading mechanisms of forests, a favorable ecological environment can be created, thus achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Representing cropping systems with the MEMS 2 ecosystem model

AbstractCroplands have been the focus of substantial investigation due to their considerable potential for sequestering carbon. Understanding the potential for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and necessary management strategies will be enabled with accurate process‐based models. Accurately representing crop growth and agricultural practices will be critical for realistic SOC modeling. The MEMS 2 model incorporates a current understanding of SOC formation and stabilization, measurable SOC pools, and deep SOC dynamics and is seen as a highly promising tool to inform management intervention for SOC sequestration. Thus far, MEMS 2 has been developed to represent grasslands. In this study, we further developed MEMS 2 to model annual grain crops and common agricultural practices, such as irrigation, fertilization, harvesting, and tillage. Using four Ameriflux sites, we demonstrated an accurate simulation of crop growth and development. Model performance was strong for simulating aboveground biomass (index of agreement [d] range of 0.89–0.98) and green leaf area index (d from 0.90 to 0.96) across corn, soybean, and winter wheat. Good agreement with observations was also achieved for net ecosystem CO2 exchange (d from 0.90 to 0.96), evapotranspiration (d from 0.91 to 0.94), and soil temperature (d of 0.96), while discrepancy with the available soil water content data remain (d from 0.14 to 0.81 at four depths to 100 cm). While we will continue model testing and improvement, MEMS 2 (version 2.14) has now demonstrated its ability to effectively simulate the growth of common grain crops and practices.

Relative Analysis for Carbon Sequestration Potential of Prominent Private and Public Green Spaces in Bengaluru, India

With the advent of Climate Change and Global Warming, highly populated urban spaces are becoming more prone to various Environmental disasters. While forest are good sinks of CO2, it is highly impossible to introduce them into urban-level planning. In this context, nurturing Urban Green Spaces within cities, can serve well to perform the regulatory functions just like forests do. However, it is also imperative that their inception, must also ensure effective carbon sequestration. The objective of current research includes determination of carbon sequestration value for various ‘tree’ species, which eventually would serve to identify species with potential to serve better in Strategic Climate Sustainable Township Guidelines. To accomplish this objective, firstly three observatories (Richard’s Park, BMSIT&M Green Campus, and Lalbagh Botanical Garden) having distinct floral diversity were selected. Further, physical data collection was undertaken at these observatories and employed for biomass computation viz. ‘Biostatistics-based Allometric’ equation. Statistical Validation of data was accomplished viz. Multiple Linear Regression Modelling and One-way ANOVA. The average value of carbon sequestered (in tonnes per species) was found to be 20.13, 0.727 and 0.292, at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Richard’s Park, and BMSIT&M, respectively. Upon comprehensive evaluation, it was found that best three species offering high carbon sequestration potential are Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus globus and Samanea saman. These species would hence be keystone species that could play a potential role in naturally lowering CO2 levels in intra-urban spaces. These species would serve well in empowering Green Spaces to behave as Urban Cool Islands, to combat Urban/Global Warming.