A Critical Evaluation of the Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Trees in Specific Regions within Kaduna State Nigeria

Abstract

This research evaluated the capacity of trees to store carbon in two specific locations, namely Gamji Park and Kaduna Polytechnic in Kaduna State. This was done by conducting field measurements, and observations. To facilitate measurement, the research area was partitioned into quadrants. A grand total of 1555 trees were quantified, with 775 trees found in Gamji Park and 780 trees at Kaduna Polytechnic. A non-destructive approach was used, whereby the measurement of tree height and diameter at breast height was conducted without the need for tree felling. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of trees with a diameter at breast height of at least 5cm were measured in each plot. The pantropical allometric equations were used to determine the carbon stock and the quantity of carbon dioxide sequestered by the plants. A total of 6875.4 Megatons/ha of carbon dioxide (CO2) was calculated to be sequestered by trees in the two research locations. The tree species Eucalyptus tereticornis and Magnifera indica had a much greater capacity for sequestration in comparison to the other trees that were examined. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to examine the association between tree parameters and carbon sequestration. The correlation coefficients for height and DBH were 0.934 and 0.979, respectively. These results suggest a positive relationship between tree parameters, specifically tree height and DBH, and carbon sequestration. Notably, DBH exhibited a stronger correlation compared to other parameters. A statistically significant difference in the tree parameters was observed, as shown by a p-value of less than 0.05.