Effects of native and exotic tree plantation on carbon sequestration at arid areas of Zagros region (Case study: Abgarm forest park, Dehloran)

World anxiousness to earth global warmness brought a special attention to soil's potential for carbon sequestration. The purpose of the trial was to investigate effects of tree plantation on carbon sequestration at arid lands. For this reason, a site at forest park of Dehloran area in Ilam province of Iran was chosen where three tree species, including Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Prosopis juliflora and Ziziphus spina-christi had been planted before. Based on random systematic statistical method, 6- 10 sampling plots of 10 x 10 m. size were allocated for each species at planted and unplanted (control) parts, separately. Soil sampling was made in center of each plot at 0-20cm depth after removing the organic layer of the soil surface to measure carbon sequestration, N, P, K, pH, moisture, bulk density, silt, sand, clay and gravel amount. Results showed that carbon sequestration rate under the trees cover was 117.7 ton per hectare which was about five times more than the control plots (24.82 T/ha). Furthermore, only average carbon sequestration rate under P. juliflora plots was significantly more than under Z. spina-christii plots (p< 0.005). In addition, only average carbon sequestration at high density plots was significantly more than at low density plots under E. camaldulensis species. There was only significant difference between plots outside and inside crown cover of Z. spina-christii in respect to carbon sequestration rate. Overall, it might be concluded that forest plantation at Dehloran area played an important role in reducing atmospheric pollution and its area should be increased at high extent.