Computer simulation of long-term carbon storage patterns in Florida slash pine plantations

Abstract

We developed a computer model to simulate carbon storage in managed slash pine plantations in Florida. The model is based on ecosystem level carbon dynamics and land use data structured by age class of planted trees. Based on a scenario of constant planting at the average level (1952–1979), Florida slash pine forests would store carbon at the rate of 2.81 × 10 6 t year −1. However, simulated carbon storage is sensitive to the age class distribution of the forests. There will be a 10 6 t year −1 decrease in carbon storage between 1980 and 1987, due to reduced levels of planting during the past decade. This trend is relatively independent of current planting levels.