A study on carbon sequestration potential of selected roadside tree species in Ludhiana, India

The roadside plantation is an important part of urban greenery. This study examined 147 trees in Ludhiana, representing eight different species and five different families. Putranjiva roxburghii had the highest number and relative abundance of trees (23.13%) while Acacia auriculiformis had the lowest (2.04%). The average total carbon sequestered ranged from 0.05 ton/tree in A. auriculiformis to 0.45 ton/tree in Dalbergia sissoo. The average highest CO₂ sequestered was reported in D. sissoo (1.65 ton /tree) followed by P. roxburghii, Chukrasia tabularis, Heterophragma adenophyllum, Alstonia scholaris, Cassia siamea, Cassia fistula, and A. auriculiformis. Among the selected trees, A. auriculiformis, A. scholaris, C. tabularis, H. adenophyllum and P. roxburghii with the highest anticipated performance index grade were classified into the good category. This study highlights the importance of trees in urban landscaping as they can sequester carbon from the atmosphere in large amounts and contribute to a healthy urban environment. Thus by creating planned green belts of locally adapted trees in cities, the adverse effects of climate change can be mitigated.