CO2 Assimilation Rates of Polyathia longifolia and Terminalia ivorensis in Sokoto State Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the rates of CO2 assimilation of Polyathia longifolia and Terminalia ivorensis in Sokoto State Nigeria. Data for this research was obtained from seven-year-old, even-aged stands in the study area. Haga Hypsometer and Relascope were used to measure tree diameter and heights. Formula was used to measure the amount of carbon captured by the sampled species. The data obtained was analyzed testing for significant differences in assimilated CO2 using Graphpad prism. However, the results showed that, P. longifolia assimilated and stored more CO2 than T. ivorensis (0.084; 0.050 and 0.023; 0.014) metric tonnes which is attributed to the differences in growth features, such as bole of the trees, rooting system, branching pattern and leaf size. In view of this, P. longifolia was recommended for urban landscaping that are designed specifically for high carbon dioxide assimilation in industrialized districts, underground water release and shade to ameliorate local climate and reduce warming.