A drip-irrigation system from Israeli precision irrigation market leader Netafim is enabling a carbon-storing tree plantation in Suffolk, UK, to increase its yield and carbon-storing capabilities.

In the first-of-its-kind project in the UK initiated by Carbon Plantations, a variety of Paulownia trees are being planted across 134 hectares of land to produce fast-growing quality hardwood and absorb carbon dioxide up to seven times faster than newly planted indigenous woodland.

The project is expected to absorb 150,000 tons of CO2 over the first decade of its lifetime.

Working towards the UK government’s strategy of creating economic opportunities for carbon capture as a key part of achieving net-zero emission goals, the trees will be thinned out after seven years, their timber sold for light construction and carbon credits will either be claimed or auctioned for corporate carbon offsetting.

“The irrigation infrastructure and consultation that Netafim has delivered is key to the success of this unique project,” said Nigel Couch, managing director of Carbon Plantations, noting that no other tree can sequester as much CO2 as quickly as the Paulownia.

“Over the last 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture,” said Netafim Chief Sustainability Officer John Farner, Netafim. “We already know that our drip technology increases water and nutrient use efficiency, while increasing productivity. We are excited to partner with Carbon Plantations to transform the way we are removing carbon from the atmosphere and advancing life around the world.”