ARTIFICIAL FORESTRY CARBON CAPTURE
Human activities, like burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation, release CO2 into the atmosphere, causing climate change. To combat this, we propose using efficient carbon-sequestering plants in agroforestry. These plants store carbon in their biomass and soil, with the added benefit of regrowth after harvesting, ensuring long-term carbon capture. This sustainable approach addresses CO2 emissions while promoting environmental health.
1. SELECTION OF PLANT SPECIES
We've identified four plant species with exceptional carbon capture potential. First, Moso Bamboo grows rapidly and can sequester carbon efficiently, with a sustainable harvest cycle. Second, Beema Bamboo, a variety designed for carbon capture, offers promising results, although further research is needed. Third, Empress trees (Paulownia spp.) excel in capturing carbon, have deep roots, and can be harvested multiple times without replanting. Finally, Sorghum shows potential as a ground cover crop able to rapidly accumulate biomass and retain soil carbon. These species can be interplanted to enhance carbon storage and offer additional environmental benefits.
2. FORESTRY PROCESS
Our approach focuses on growing multiple plants with differing growth cycles. Biochar is added to soil to augment soil carbon sequestration rate, while enhancing nutrient uptake and water retention. Intercropping different species helps to preserve soil integrity while avoiding monocultures, creating a range of environmental benefits. This can be implemented in poor-quality soils, and gradually remediate them while simultaneously storing carbon. Biomass generated can be used to create cross-laminated timber, or supplement biochar production.
3. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Agroforestry fills an important niche in the carbon capture world. Unlike numerous alternatives, it requires no substantial technological advancements to be effective, and is rather predicated on currently available methods and resources. Compared to reforestation approaches, agroforestry is rapid and cost-effective, operating on a substantially smaller cycle and thus offers a less risky investment. Critically, agroforestry provides a suite of environmental benefits, such as improving air and water quality, reducing wind speeds, and improving soil integrity.
Figure 1: MC³ Forestry setup in the Jock Marshall Reserve Greenhouse
Figure 2: Greenhouse Trials of Sorghum