STA G6

Theoretical Framework

Forests play a crucial role in combating climate change by acting as carbon sinks or sources. Trees, particularly endemic and threatened species, contribute to carbon storage, ecosystem sustainability, and biodiversity. Assessing the carbon storage and capacity of tree species is essential to determine the amount of carbon stored, preventing the greenhouse gas emissions (Coracero, 2022). The Philippines, with a population density of over 109 million, is facing rapid urbanization, leading to inflation and asymmetrical concentration of population growth in 16 congested metropolises. This has led to extensive housing projects and challenges in accessing public utilities. The country faces severe impacts from climate change, including storm surges, floods, and droughts. The researchers are studying tree species in STCQC to assess carbon sequestration levels and their impact on global warming.

Procedural Framework: Examining and Comparing the Carbon Sequestration of the Different Tree Species Present in STCQC

The Correlation Research Design was used by the group to evaluate and analyze the carbon sequestration of different tree species, concentrating on their properties and the link between diameter by breast height measures and carbon uptake to optimize plants in urbanized regions.

The researchers must identify their hypothesis, gather necessary materials like tree species specimens, and use online calculators like “PictureThis” to identify tree species and calculate DBH, Carbon Storage, Dry Weight, Age, and Carbon Sequestration. The data collected will be analyzed and conclusions drawn, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the research question.

Procedural Framework: Examining and Comparing the Carbon Sequestration of the Different Tree Species Present in STCQC

Diameter by Breast Height (DBH) is a method used to estimate and calculate tree species. It involves measuring a tree from the ground to its 4.5 ft height using a tape measure, and then calculating its circumference. Researchers of St. Theresa’s College, Quezon City, identified several tree species and used an online calculator from Tissue Culture Teak Nursery to compute the DBH. The standard height of 4.5 ft or 54 inches is followed to accurately generate the tree’s circumference. The data collected from these tree species is then converted into cm to calculate the DBH, ensuring accuracy in determining tree species.

Researchers at STCQC were unable to leave specimens at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center and Graduate School of UST due to time and appointment issues. Instead, they used an online and virtual analyst application, “PictureThis,” to identify tree species. They used pictures taken in various locations at STCQC, including the grade school lawn, cafeteria, gate 3, and high school area. They also used photos of leaves and recent records of fruits or flowers to draw parallels between the generated information on the application and the actual specimens.

The researchers found a significant difference between the diameter by breast height (DBH) of a tree and the amount of carbon sequestered. As the DBH increases, the tree can sequester more carbon underground. The DBH was computed using a standard height of 4.5 ft, and the amount of carbon sequestration increased based on the tree’s circumference. The statistically significant difference was less than 0.05, indicating that the null hypothesis is rejected. The researchers concluded that the DBH of a tree significantly influences the amount of carbon sequestered.

Researchers found that soil type. depth, and temperature significantly impact tree species’ yield values, contributing to circumference, DBH, and carbon sequestration. Age and size also impact sequestered carbon, with younger trees focusing on root development. St. Theresa’s College’s diverse tree species necessitates measures to maintain floras, such as mitigating carbon emissions, eliminating harmful elements, replanting trees, raising awareness of urban forestry. and developing effective methods.