Assessing Effects of Shortening Final Cutting Age on Future CO₂ Absorption of Forest in Korea

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effect of shortened final cutting age by estimating future CO₂ absorption in each different scenarios based on each final cutting ages before and after shortening. We used 5th Forest Type Map and Forest Yield Table to obtain information to estimate CO₂ absorption of forest. We also designed a simulated future scenarios from 2010 to 2100 which repeats cutting and reforestation according to respected each final cutting ages. As the result, number of cuttings and total amount of CO₂ absorption of forest were increased with shortened final ages. Total cutting times increased up to 2 in both minimum and maximum amount for Quescus spp. and Larix kaempferi. Maximum number of cutting of Pinus densiflora and minimum number of Pinus koraiensis increased by 1. Total CO₂ absorption increased 12％ for Quercus spp. which had the largest number of increase in cutting times, while total CO₂ absorption of Pinus koraiensis only increased by 1％. The result could be used to evaluate the changes in forest management plans and policies and then develop optimal final age for efficient sustainable forest management plans.