The effect of tree species on carbon storage in biomass and soil; Study of Toos Nozar forest park, Sanandaj

Urban green spaces, particularly trees, have great potential to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and mitigate the impacts of climate change in cities. The aim of this study was to estimate the carbon accumulation in the biomass and soil of Robinia, Cupressus, Fraxinus and Chamaecyparis tree species in Toos Nozar forest park in Sanandaj. For this purpose, the type of species, height and diameter equal to the chest for total trees in the permanent plots were recorded to determine the carbon biomass of the tree above and below ground and estimates of carbon storage were performed using allometric equations. The results showed that the total carbon storage in Toos Nozar forest park is 113.68 tons per hectare. Examination of the total density of stored carbon showed that the highest amount of carbon was stored in the soil and the lowest in the litter and grass cover of Toos Nozar forest park. The results emphasize the effect of tree species on carbon sequestration. Cupressus is more potent than other species in carbon storage. By recognizing the species that have more potential for carbon storage and also examining the management factors that affect the carbon storage process, it is possible to follow the improvement and rehabilitation of urban forests from the perspective of carbon sequestration index. The results of this study reveal the value of urban trees not only as ornamental and aesthetic lands but also in reducing the effects of climate change at the local level.