We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Carbon accumulation by native trees and soils in an urban park, Auckland.
- Authors
Schwendenmann, Luitgard; Mitchell, Neil D.
- Abstract
Carbon storage by trees and soil in urban areas is of increasing interest as a potential greenhouse gas mitigation measure. Our objectives were to (1) quantify carbon accumulation in above- and below-ground tree biomass, organic layer and mineral soil (0-5 cm) of a 27-year-old planted forest in Auckland and (2) compare the sequestration potential of urban trees with natural shrublands and forests in New Zealand. A mixed-species allometric equation for urban-grown native trees was developed on the basis of the tree biomass of 21 trees belonging to four species (Corynocarpus laevigatus, Kunzea ericoides, Pittosporum eugenioides, P. tenuifolium). Our allometric equation and a recently developed mixed-species equation for New Zealand native forest species produced similar results. A total of 45.9 Mg C ha-1 was stored in above- and below-ground tree biomass in our Auckland park, equating to an average annual carbon sequestration rate of 1.7 Mg C ha-1. This rate is within the range reported for New Zealand shrublands. Despite the adverse conditions posed by some urban environments (e.g. poor-quality soil, contamination), planted urban forests can sequester carbon at similar rates to natural vegetation in New Zealand.
- Subjects
AUCKLAND (N.Z.); NEW Zealand; CARBON sequestration; URBAN trees; URBAN parks; FORESTS &; forestry; CORYNOCARPUS laevigatus; KUNZEA ericoides; PITTOSPORUM
- Publication
New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 2014, Vol 38, Issue 2, p213
- ISSN
0110-6465
- Publication type
Article