ADAPTATION OF I-TREE ECO FOR ASSESSING CARBON STORAGE AND SEQUESTRATION BY URBAN TREE STANDS IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES OF UKRAINE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/pcsd-2025-4-14Keywords:
carbon sequestration, carbon storage, i-Tree Eco, urban tree stands, ecosystem services, industrial zone, allometric modelingAbstract
Aim of the work. Adaptation of i-Tree Eco software for quantitative assessment of carbon storage and sequestration by urban tree stands in industrial zones of Ukraine using Zhytomyr as a case study, with verification of results using national and international methodologies. Methodology. An inventory of 110 trees representing 13 species was conducted in June-July 2025 across 15 circular sample plots in accordance with Instruction No. 226 using Haglöf equipment (Sweden). Carbon sequestration modeling was performed using i-Tree Eco version 6.0.35. Results were verified through comparative analysis with the forest phytomass assessment methodology and IPCC. Scientific novelty. This is the first adaptation of i-Tree Eco for assessing ecosystem services of urban plantations in Ukrainian industrial zones with verification using Lakyda’s national methodology and IPCC international standards. Unlike previous Ukrainian studies that focused on park plantations under favorable conditions, this research covers areas with high technogenic pressure and establishes correction coefficients for major tree species in industrial zones. Conclusions. Total carbon storage amounts to 21.4 t C (78.5 t CO2-eq.) with an average of 194.5 kg C per tree. Gross annual sequestration is 625 kg C/year (2.29 t CO2 /year). Comparative analysis showed average deviations of +8.6 % and +12.2 %, falling within acceptable methodological error (±10–15 %). High concentration of carbon storage was identified in two species: black locust and weeping willow accumulate 62.6 % of total storage while representing only 27.3 % of the population. The validity of i-Tree Eco application for Ukrainian conditions was confirmed when proper species identification and accurate field measurements are maintained. Results can be used for developing urban forest management strategies and integrating ecosystem services into Ukraine’s carbon accounting system.
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