Carbon Sequestration Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the carbon sequestration calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Annual CO2 Sequestered
annual_co2 = annual_seqTotal CO2 Over Period
total_co2 = total_seqTotal per Acre
per_acre_total = total_seq / area_acresVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
area_acres | Area(acres) | 100 |
seq_rate | Sequestration Rate(tons CO2/acre/year) | 2.5 |
years | Time Period(years) | 10 |
annual_seq | Derived value= area_acres * seq_rate | calculated |
total_seq | Derived value= annual_seq * years | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Carbon Sequestration
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 in plants, soil, and geological formations.
Typical Rates (tons CO2/acre/year)
Formula
Annual Sequestration = Area (acres) * Rate (tons CO2/acre/year)
Worked Example
A 100-acre temperate forest sequestering 2.5 tons CO2/acre/year over 10 years.
- 01Annual sequestration: 100 * 2.5 = 250 metric tons CO2/year
- 02Total over 10 years: 250 * 10 = 2,500 metric tons CO2
- 03Per acre total: 2,500 / 100 = 25 tons/acre
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carbon sequestration?
Carbon sequestration is the long-term capture and storage of atmospheric CO2. Natural sinks include forests, soil, and oceans. Engineered solutions include direct air capture and carbon mineralization.
How do forests sequester carbon?
Trees absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, storing carbon in trunks, branches, roots, and leaves. Forest soil also accumulates carbon from decomposing organic matter.
Is soil a significant carbon sink?
Yes, the world's soils hold about three times more carbon than the atmosphere. Regenerative agriculture practices can increase soil carbon storage by 0.3-1.0 tons CO2/acre/year.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Carbon Sequestration Calculator