Scientists from VGLTU: fast-growing poplar and birch are most effective at capturing emissions Morozov (VGFTU) discovered a new advantage of trees typical for Russia. Fast-growing poplar and birch have proven to be the most efficient absorbers of climate-damaging carbon dioxide. This is reported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia.
In the course of the experiment, trees common in central Russia were planted at the university's carbon testing ground – birch, poplar, pine and larch. For six months, scientists monitored the growth of plants and, using a portable leaf area meter, assessed the ability to absorb carbon.
Poplar and birch grew the most during this period – by 183 and 57 centimeters, respectively. The large leaf area has given these species a significant advantage in capturing emissions. According to researchers, in the first year of the growing season, with a planting density of five thousand pieces per hectare, young poplars will be able to absorb up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“This will make it possible to form forest carbonic farms with an understandable mechanism for calculating the volume of absorption of carbon compounds. For comparison: 15 hectares of such a landfill will be able to offset the carbon footprint of 2,000 cars, ”explained Mikhail Drapalyuk, rector of VGLTU.
At the end of October, the G20 member countries promised to land one trillion on the planet by 2030 trees. Afforestation will help restore ecosystems and contribute to preventing global warming.