Afforestation and CO2 fixation: a few reference figures from scientific research

Abstract

Afforestation is often proposed as one of the most effective nature-based solutions to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, so mitigating the impending climate crisis. As a result, we have witnessed over the last few years a flourishing of projects aimed at planting new forests, particularly in periurban and agricultural settings, without a preliminary scientific discussion of their expected impact. In this contribution, we have therefore tried to summarize the evidence available for Italian settings, so as to define the range of sequestration rates that can be realistically expected. Moreover, we have tried to highlight some of the issues (age effects, single tree vs. stand perspective) that should be taken into account in the debate in order to harmonize results and approaches. Based on available evidence, under mesic conditions and with adequate cures at and after planting, we could realistically expect over the first decades a Net Ecosystem Production of about 3.5 t C ha-1 yr-1, in good agreement with results from other European deciduous tree plantations. Higher rates are definitely possible with fast-growing species (e.g., poplar, eucalypt) and intensive management, not always compatible with the environmental aims of such projects. In conclusion, afforestation can yield important results (also considering the other ecosystem services provided, particularly important in peri-urban and agricultural settings), although far from the C sequestration provided by the protection and sustainable management of existing forests.

Keywords

• afforestation
• carbon sequestration
• nep
• italy
• review