Estimation of C.S.P. of Poplar Trees Based on Diameter Class and Height Class in SHUATS Campus of Prayagraj Region, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Quantification of carbon sequestration potential is very much essential for rapidly proliferating species like Populus spp. in view of escalating climate change, for sustainable agroforestry practices, and mitigation strategies. The present study estimates the C.S.P. for 100 Populus trees at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, by classifying them based on diameter at breast height and tree height. Non-destructive allometric models considering DBH, height, and wood density (0.44 g/cm³) were adopted for calculating aboveground biomass, belowground root biomass (0.27 × AGB), carbon content (50% of biomass), and CO₂ equivalents (×3.67). Results show an average tree height of 19.3 m, DBH of 24.4 cm, AGB ranges from 4.61 to 958.48 kg per tree, carbon sequestration from 2.3 to 479.24 kg per tree, and CO₂ accumulation up to 1,754.02 kg per tree. Larger DBH (>40.1 cm) and height (>35 m) classes dominated the per-tree efficiency, while the mid-range strata (heights 16–20 m; DBH 20.1–35.1 cm) contributed more than 60–70% of totals due to density. These findings emphasize the superior sequestration capability of poplars (up to 1,243.34 Mg CO₂ in taller classes) and thus advocate stratified management to improve carbon credits with ecosystem resilience in subtropical India.