Carbon Storage and Sequestration Analysis by Urban Park Grid Using i-Tree Eco and Drone-Based Modeling

Abstract

Urban areas play a crucial role in carbon absorption, while also producing a considerable amount of carbon emissions. However, there has been a lack of research that has systematically examined the carbon storage and sequestration in green spaces located within urban environments, at a spatial scale. This study analyzes carbon storage and sequestration in Yurim Park, Daejeon, South Korea on a grid basis to fill the research gap. The research compares the variation in sequestration capacity across different grids and provides insights into the development of sustainable urban parks in urban planning. The classification of grids is based on specific site characteristics, such as land cover, tree distribution, type, and density. This results in a total of seven distinct types. The study employs a combination of the I-tree eco model, drone-based modeling, and on-site surveys to estimate carbon storage and sequestration in urban parks. The results show that the average carbon storage per unit area in the entire park was 15.3 tons of carbon per hectare, ranging from a minimum of 5.0 to a maximum of 21.4 tons per hectare. For the planted area, the average carbon storage was 8.6 tons per hectare. Grids with green areas dominated by broad-leaved trees and closed canopy cover had the highest carbon sequestration and storage values. The planting area ratio and the type of trees planted were found to directly influence the carbon sequestration capacity per unit area of urban parks. This study stands out from previous research by conducting a detailed area-based comparison and analysis of carbon sequestration capacity in urban parks using sophisticated measurement techniques. The findings offer direct insights into strategies and policies for securing future urban carbon sinks and can be of practical use in this regard. © 2024 by the authors.