The effectiveness of tree plantation in desert areas in terms of ecosystem service of carbon sequestration in the Se-qaleh-Sarayan region, South Khorasan, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Desert Research Department, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.

2 Researcher, RIFRDesert Research Department, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

3 Ph.D. Graduate in Rangeland Science, University of Tehran, Iran.

4 M.Sc. Expert in Desertification, General Directorate of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of South Khorasan Province, Iran

10.29252/aridbiom.2025.22868.2044

Abstract

Today, as the adverse effects of climate change become increasingly evident worldwide, scientists are concentrating on artificial desert forests as a novel source and potential means of carbon sequestration. This study aimed to investigate the Saqaleh-Sarayan region of South Khorasan province. In the first step, the restoration and development of artificial forests in the study area were examined using remote sensing images from Landsat 5 and 8 satellites, which have a 30-meter resolution and cover the years 1369 to 1402. This was conducted with a modified vegetation cover index adjusted for soil MSAVI. Next, to evaluate in the field, vegetation types and representative areas were identified, and five transects of 300 meters were established both randomly and systematically. By measuring five plots of 4 square meters along each transect, the density was calculated. Since black alder was the only dominant species in the study area, three stands of each type were cut at different heights to determine biomass weight accurately. The aerial and underground components were then completely removed and weighed. To evaluate soil carbon content using the Walkey and Block method, five topsoil samples were taken from a depth of 5-15 cm for each type. Subsequently, the plant carbon content was determined via combustion. The results showed spatial and temporal changes in the MSAVI index, which rose from 057 in 1980 to 22 in 1983. This increase was noted as moving from the north and northwest towards the east and southeast of the region. The average number of thuja shrub stands across various types was 308 stands per hectare. The total carbon sequestration in the man-made forests of the Sah Qala region was estimated at 1063838.5 tons, which equates to 106 kg and 11346 tons per hectare across the studied plant section, while in the soil section, it was 1349.7 kg and 1052492.5 tons, respectively. Overall, the carbon sequestration capacity in arid and desert areas can be attributed to the expanse of these lands, as soil organic carbon levels in these regions are typically low. Nevertheless, man-made forests in desert areas significantly contribute to the sequestration of organic carbon.

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References

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Journal of Arid Biome
Volume 15, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 37-47

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