Evaluating the Stand Structure, Carbon Sequestration, Oxygen Release Function, and Carbon Sink Value of Three Artificial Shrubs alongside the Tarim Desert Highway

Currently, the ecological problems caused by the greenhouse effect are growing more serious, and implementing carbon sequestration methods is an effective way to address them. Arid and semi-arid desert areas have tremendous potential as carbon sinks, and artificial forests in these areas play an important role in absorbing and sequestering carbon dioxide. This study selected three main species of artificial protective trees along the Tarim Desert Highway—Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A.Mey.) Bunge, Calligonum mongolicum Turcz. and Tamarix chinensis Lour.—and evaluated them for their carbon sequestration, oxygen release capacity, and economic benefits using Pn (net photosynthetic rate) and biomass methods. The results showed that the average daily Pn value and carbon sequestration and oxygen release per unit leaf area of T. chinensis were significantly higher than those of H. ammodendron and C. mongolicum (p < 0.05). The total carbon storage of the three shelterbelts was 15.41 × 104 t, and the carbon storage of H. ammodendron was significantly higher than that of C. mongolicum and T. chinensis (p < 0.05). According to the net photosynthetic rate method, the annual carbon sequestration and oxygen release of the shelter forest is 6.13 × 104 t a−1, and the transaction price is CNY 13.73 million a−1. The total amount of carbon sequestration and oxygen release of the shelter forest obtained via the biomass method is 97.61 × 104 t, and the transaction price is CNY 218.77 million. This study conducted research on the carbon sequestration capacity of protective forests along the Tarim Desert Highway located in an extremely arid region. It highlights the significant contribution of these protective forests in terms of carbon storage, playing a crucial role in promoting ecological restoration and sustainable development in arid areas. Additionally, this study provides a scientific basis for estimating carbon storage and promoting the sustainable management of artificial forests in arid desert regions.