Abstract
We estimated aboveground biomass carbon (T ABC) and net carbon accumulation rates (T NEP) for trees in four major forest types based on national forest inventory data collected in 1994–1998 and 1999–2003. The four types were Pinus massoniana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, hard broad-leaved evergreen forest and soft broad-leaved evergreen forest. We analyzed variations in T ABC and T NEP for five stand ages (initiation, young, medium, mature and old). In both time periods, estimated T ABC in all four forest types increased consistently with forest stand age and the oldest stage had the largest T ABC compared with other stages. Broad-leaved forests (hard and soft) had higher T ABC than needle-leaved forests (Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata) for each of the five age stages. The difference of T ABC between broad-leaved and needle-leaved forests increased with forest stand age. Comparison of estimated T NEP by age category indicated T NEP increased from the initiation stage to the young stage, and then decreased from the mature stage to old stage in all four forest types. T NEP for any particular stage depended on the forest type; for instance, broad-leaved forests at both the mature and old stages had greater T NEP than in needle-leaved forests. A logistic curve was applied to fit the relationship between T ABC and forest stand age. In each period, correlations in all four forest types were all statistically significant (P < 0.01) with R 2 > 0.95. T ABC was therefore predicted by these regression functions from 2000 to 2050 and the mean T NEP during the predicted period was estimated to be about 41.14, 31.53, 75.50 and 75.68 g C m−2 a−1 in Pinus massoniana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, hard broad-leaved forest and soft broad-leaved forest, respectively. Results from both forest inventory and regression prediction suggest broad-leaved forests are greater carbon sinks, and hence have greater carbon sequestration ability especially in the mature and old stages when compared to needle-leaved forests. Broad-leaved forests should have high levels of carbon sequestration when compared with needle-leaved forests in south China.
Highlights
We estimated aboveground biomass carbon (TABC) and net carbon accumulation rates (TNEP) for trees in four major forest types based on national forest inventory data collected in 1994–1998 and 1999–2003
TABC was predicted by these regression functions from 2000 to 2050 and the mean TNEP during the predicted period was estimated to be about 41.14, 31.53, 75.50 and 75.68 g C m–2 a–1 in Pinus massoniana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, hard broad-leaved forest and soft broad-leaved forest, respectively
TABC and mean TNEP were estimated based on the logistic regression function between TABC and forest stand age, with TABC estimated for each decade from 2000 to 2050
Summary
We estimated aboveground biomass carbon (TABC) and net carbon accumulation rates (TNEP) for trees in four major forest types based on national forest inventory data collected in 1994–1998 and 1999–2003. TABC was predicted by these regression functions from 2000 to 2050 and the mean TNEP during the predicted period was estimated to be about 41.14, 31.53, 75.50 and 75.68 g C m–2 a–1 in Pinus massoniana forest, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, hard broad-leaved forest and soft broad-leaved forest, respectively. Results from both forest inventory and regression prediction suggest broad-leaved forests are greater carbon sinks, and have greater carbon sequestration ability especially in the mature and old stages when compared to needle-leaved forests. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the ability of four forest types in five age categories to sequester carbon, and (2) to provide a scientific basis for future policy decisions related to the sustainable management of forests in an environmentfriendly manner in southern China
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