Carbon stocks in the forests of the Ural Region

Abstract

This paper examines carbon stocks in the forests of the Ural region forest fund. Carbon deposition in forest biomass, the average, average annual and annual carbon absorption were assessed by age groups and dominant species. The average annual rates of forest destruction were estimated depending on the territory of forest fires and burnt areas. Carbon losses in the biomass pool after continuous logging were estimated according to the methodology "On approving guidance to calculate greenhouse gas emissions” developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation. Carbon storage indicators were calculated from the groundwood of coniferous, hard-leaved and soft-leaved forests for all age groups. Changes in carbon stocks are shown for the period 2007-2018. The forests of the study area, the Republic of Bashkortostan, were found to sink carbon in 3,618.9 thousand tons/year. Pinus sylvestris L. forests accumulate the largest amount of carbon, 58,384.3 thousand tons, among coniferous forests. The difference between carbon absorption and its budget was 3,124.4 thousand tons/year. Soft-leaved stands that dominate in the republic accumulate the largest total carbon stock being 195,900.2 thousand tons. However, their average level of carbon stock is lower than that of coniferous and hard-leaved forests. Maintaining the level of carbon dioxide uptake is a strategic task of the republic's forestry sector, with compensatory reforestation being one solution. Keywords: absorption; carbon; coniferous forests; deciduous forests; storage; wood harvesting