Assessing the Carbon Sequestration Potentials of Indigenous Trees among Academic Parks in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Air quality, cool air temperatures, as well as captured carbon are enhanced by trees on campus. Human activities in and around academic areas within the university indicate possible high level of Carbon dioxide in thoe specific areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the Carbon capture potentials of indigenous trees in selected academic area parks (COLAMRUD Park, COLANIM Park, COLERM Park, Motion Ground Park and Multi-purpose Building Park) of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria using a non-destructive sampling technique. Results show that there are a total of 10 different tree species across the parks some of which include; Azadiratcha indicia, Albezia lebbeck, Entandrophragma cylindricum, Khaya senegalensis and Mangifera indica. The weight of Carbon captured was observed to be highest in the Entadophragma cylindricum (19.68 x 10⁶ kgm^-2) followed by Cedrela ordorata (10.84 x 10⁶ kgm^-2) while the least was Cola millenni (1.43 x 10⁶ kgm^-2). Carbon capture potential was significantly (p<0.05) higher (2.90 x 10⁶) at MPB park when compared with others. The native species carbon sequestration order is; EC>SS>CO>MI>AI>AL>KS>SM>TR>PL. The presence of trees on university campus boosts carbon sequestration, clear-felling of these trees species while constructing new structures should be extremely reduced and more trees should be introduced in places with much human daily activities.