Carbon Stocks and Sequestration Rates in Oak-Hickory Forests of Ohio, USA

Abstract

Carbon (C) stocks and sequestration rates were determined for oak-hickory forests in Ohio, USA. The models we developed show that the patterns of C sequestration rates follow what we expect in total and merchantable volume increment. The current annual increment (CAI) and the mean annual increment (MAI) peaks at ages 23 and 46 years, respectively, for total aboveground C. The peak CAI and MAI for the aboveground C peaks at ages 26 and 53 years, respectively. The 5-year periodic MAI for both total aboveground C and aboveground portion of merchantable trees occurs at age 30 years, occurring simultaneously with the 5-year periodic MAI for total and merchantable volume. Knowing that C sequestration occurs in similar patterns to volume growth is helpful in transitioning from traditional volume-based management to carbon-based management.