Carbon Sequestration Services of Fruit Trees in Institutional Landscapes: Implications for Urban Greening and Sustainable Home Garden Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v5i3.7208Keywords:
Carbon Sequestration, Climate Mitigation, Fruit Trees, Institutional LandscapingAbstract
This research was conducted to assess the carbon sequestration services of fruit trees within the Rivers State University campus, as a guide for institutional landscaping and home garden management. The random sampling technique was used to collect data on tree height and DBH using D-tape and clinometer. The allometric method was used to calculate the carbon sequestered from the above and below ground biomass estimated from tree height and DBH. Terminalia catappa, and Persea gratissima had the highest mean height of 35.14m, and 31.60m respectively, while Cocos nucifera and Citrus sinensis had the least height of 25.40m and 11.70m respectively. Terminalia catappa, Persea gratissima, and Mangifera indica had the highest mean diameters of 124.38cm, 106.26cm, and 106.42cm, respectively, while Cocos nucifera and Citrus sinensis recorded DBH of 63.44cm and 33.46cm. Terminalia catappa, Persea gratissima and Mangifera indica recorded below ground biomass of 16304.37 tons, 10801.56 tons and 10517.47 tons respectively. The above ground biomass was highest for Terminalia catappa (81521.87 tons), Persea gratissima (54007.79 tons) and Mangifera indica (52587.33 tons), while Cocos nucifera and Citrus sinensis recorded the lowest of 15740.22 tons and 2158.01 tons respectively. Terminalia catappa, Persea gratissima, and Mangifera indica sequestered the highest carbon (108454.65 tons, 71850.61 tons, and 69960.87 tons), respectively. This research has provided information on the mean height and diameter at breast height of fruit trees, and evidence of the fruit tree with the highest carbon sequestration potential on the Rivers State University Campus Hence, it is recommended that Terminalia catappa, Persea gratissima and Mangifera indica be incorporated into campus home gardens to sustain the livelihood of residents as well as provide climate mitigation and beautification services.
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