Measuring Multi-Scale Urban Forest Carbon Flux Dynamics Using an Integrated Eddy Covariance Technique

Kaidi Zhang, Yuan Gong, Francisco J. Escobedo, Rosvel Bracho, Xinzhong Zhang and Min Zhao
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Kaidi Zhang: School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Yuan Gong: College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Francisco J. Escobedo: Functional and Ecosystem Ecology Unit (EFE), Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221492, Colombia
Rosvel Bracho: School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Xinzhong Zhang: School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Min Zhao: Research Center of Urban Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 16, 1-10

Abstract: The multi-scale carbon-carbon dioxide (C-CO 2 ) dynamics of subtropical urban forests and other green and grey infrastructure types were explored in an urbanized campus near Shanghai, China. We integrated eddy covariance (EC) C-CO 2 flux measurements and the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon footprint tool to analyze C-CO 2 dynamics at the landscape-scale as well as in local-scale urban forest patches during one year. The approach measured the C-CO 2 flux from different contributing areas depending on wind directions and atmospheric stability. Although the study landscape was a net carbon source (2.98 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 ), we found the mean CO 2 flux in urban forest patches was −1.32 μmol m −2 s −1 , indicating that these patches function as a carbon sink with an annual carbon balance of −5.00 Mg C ha −1 . These results indicate that urban forest patches and vegetation (i.e., green infrastructure) composition can be designed to maximize the sequestration of CO 2 . This novel integrated modeling approach can be used to facilitate the study of the multi-scale effects of urban forests and green infrastructure on CO 2 and to establish low-carbon emitting planning and planting designs in the subtropics.

Keywords: carbon dioxide offsets; ART footprint tool; urban ecosystems; nature-based solutions; green infrastructure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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