Where Carbon Is Stored
Above Ground
Carbon is stored in leaves and stems. This storage is usually short-term, as mowing and natural decomposition return some carbon to the soil.
Below Ground
Most long-term carbon storage occurs in roots and soil organic matter. As roots grow and decay, carbon becomes part of the soil structure, gradually increasing soil organic carbon levels.
Carbon Storage per m²
Research indicates that well-managed turf can store approximately:
0.2–1.0 kg of carbon (C) per m² per year
Equivalent to approximately 0.7–3.7 kg of CO₂ per m² per year
These figures relate primarily to soil carbon accumulation. Storage rates vary depending on soil condition, climate, turf species, and management practices. Carbon accumulation typically slows as soils reach equilibrium.
Context
Turf does not offset all lifecycle emissions associated with installation and maintenance. However, when well managed, it can act as a modest carbon sink and contribute to soil stability and urban environmental quality. Carbon storage should be considered within a full lifecycle assessment.
References
Qian, Y., Follett, R.F., & Kimble, J.M. (2010). Soil organic carbon input from urban turfgrasses. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 74(2), 366–371.
Bandaranayake, W., et al. (2003). Estimation of soil organic carbon changes in turfgrass systems. Environmental Pollution, 116, S25–S32.
Townsend-Small, A., & Czimczik, C.I. (2010). Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions in urban turf. Global Change Biology, 16, 2945–2951.
UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC). Land use and soil carbon reports.
Defra (UK). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF).