URBAN TREES AS CARBON SINKS: LINKING ABOVE GROUND BIOMASS TO SOIL ORGANIC CARBON AND ATMOSPHERIC CO₂ REDUCTION IN KOLKATA

The February 2024 study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of 17 dominant urban tree species across five sites in Kolkata, focusing on Above Ground Stem Biomass (AGSB), Above Ground Stem Carbon (AGSC), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), and near-surface atmospheric CO.Eucalyptus globulus exhibited the highest AGSB (5885.60 t ha) and AGSC (2648.52 t ha), while Alstonia scholaris showed the lowest AGSB (133.46 t ha) and AGSC (59.52 t ha).SOC ranged from 0.47% to 1.43%, linked to biomass decomposition and litter deposition.Atmospheric CO levels were inversely related to vegetation density, ranging from 421 ppm (Moulali) to 405 ppm (Park Circus).ANOVA confirmed significant spatial variations among the sites.