Assessment of the carbon sequestration potential in fast growing poplars

Climate change affects plant life due to the impact of abiotic stress, which significantly affects the most important biochemical processes, including photosynthesis. In this regard, it is necessary to select a set of methods for assessing photosynthesis parameters in cultivated plants. The article assesses the potential for carbon sequestration at the carbon test site in the Voronezh region for promising selection-valuable forms and hybrids of poplars ( Populus L.) 'Veduga', 'E.s.-38', 'POK'. The endemic black poplar (sedge) of the Voronezh region was used as a control. The morphometric parameters of plants were studied, the area of an individual leaf and the total assimilation surface of poplar of different forms and hybrids were analyzed using a portable laser leaf area meter CI-202 (CID Bioscience, USA). To determine the parameters of photosynthesis and transpiration, a portable system for measuring plant gas exchange CI-340 (CID Bioscience, USA) was used. It was shown that the total leaf area per 1 plant of the poplar variety 'E.s.-38' was significantly (5.6 times) higher than that of the control variant. The second in terms of this value was the white poplar 'Veduga', outstripping the control by 3.3 times. A significant advantage in height (by 33% compared to the control) and leaf area determined the 4.6 times greater CO2 absorption rates of 'E.s.-38' during one growing season. For poplar 'Veduga' this figure was 2.8 times. The results obtained make it possible to characterize poplar 'E.s.-38' as a promising form and recommend it for establishing fast-growing plantations with a high potential for carbon sequestration.