Efficiency of carbon farms for CO2 sequestration: a comparative analysis of forest and swamp ecosystems in the context of climate change

Abstract

In the context of global climate change, the search for effective carbon sequestration mechanisms is of paramount importance to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The present study is devoted to a comparative analysis of the carbon sequestering potential of specialized forest and swamp ecosystems operating in the mode of managed carbon farms. Based on three-year monitoring data (2020-2023), a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of CO2 sequestration in various climatic zones of the Russian Federation was carried out. The study was based on the integration of field measurements using static flow chambers, remote sensing, laboratory analysis of soil and biomass samples, as well as mathematical modeling of the carbon balance. The results demonstrate that, with optimal management, swamp ecosystems are able to sequester an average of 42.7% more carbon than forest ecosystems of a similar area (4.3±0.5 t/ha/year versus 3.0±0.3 t/ha/year). A strong positive correlation (r=0.78, p<0.01) was found between the groundwater level and the intensity of sequestration in swamp ecosystems. The optimal tree stand structure has been determined for forest carbon farms, ensuring maximum CO2 absorption efficiency in different age groups. An economic and ecological model of the functioning of carbon farms has been developed, taking into account the time characteristics of carbon deposition, the risks of natural disturbances and economic profitability. The results obtained can serve as a basis for the formation of a national strategy for the development of projects on managed carbon sequestration and improvement of the methodology of carbon accounting.