ASSESSING THE CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL OF BAMBOO IN URBAN ROAD RESERVES: A NATURE-BASED SOLUTION FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION AND URBAN PLANNING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i42.2038Keywords:
Bamboo, Carbon Sequestration, Urban Road Reserves, Nature-Based Solutions, Climate Mitigation, Urban PlanningAbstract
Urban road reserves represent underutilized linear green spaces with significant potential to support nature-based climate mitigation strategies in rapidly urbanizing environments. Despite their availability, these spaces remain largely overlooked in urban planning as functional carbon sink corridors. This study assesses the carbon sequestration potential of Gigantochloa albociliata (buluh madu) cultivated within urban road reserves, using Lebuh Meru Raya, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, as a case study. Field measurements were conducted using a LI-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System to determine leaf-level photosynthetic assimilation rates under controlled photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) conditions, while canopy characteristics were quantified through Leaf Area Index (LAI) measurements and crown area estimation. A light response curve analysis was applied to derive a representative net carbon assimilation rate, which was subsequently extrapolated to estimate annual carbon sequestration potential. Results indicated a mean net assimilation rate of 6.0 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹, with an LAI of 2.08 and a mean crown area of 51.35 m². Based on the modeled assumptions, a single bamboo clump was estimated to sequester approximately 121.26 kg of carbon annually, equivalent to 445.02 kg CO₂. Extrapolation across a 7 km urban road reserve corridor suggests a theoretical sequestration potential of approximately 106.1 metric tonnes of carbon per year, or 389.4 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, assuming full planting occupancy. While these estimates are derived from controlled physiological measurements and annualized assumptions rather than destructive biomass validation, the findings suggest the potential of bamboo as a nature-based planning intervention for climate mitigation, green infrastructure enhancement, and low-carbon urban development.
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