Abstract
BackgroundWe analyzed the dynamics of carbon (C) stocks and CO2 removals by Brazilian forest plantations over the period 1990–2016. Data on the extent of forests compiled from various sources were used in the calculations. Productivities were simulated using species-specific growth and yield simulators for the main trees species planted in the country. Biomass expansion factors, root-to-shoot ratios, wood densities, and carbon fractions compiled from literature were applied. C stocks in necromass (deadwood and litter) and harvested wood products (HWP) were also included in the calculations.ResultsPlantation forests stocked 231 Mt C in 1990 increasing to 612 Mt C in 2016 due to an increase in plantation area and higher productivity of the stands during the 26-year period. Eucalyptus contributed 58% of the C stock in 1990 and 71% in 2016 due to a remarkable increase in plantation area and productivity. Pinus reduced its proportion of the carbon storage due to its low growth in area, while the other species shared less than 6% of the C stocks during the period of study. Aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and necromass shared 71, 12, and 5% of the total C stocked in plantations in 2016, respectively. HWP stocked 76 Mt C in the period, which represents 12% of the total C stocked. Carbon dioxide removals by Brazilian forest plantations during the 26-year period totaled 1669 Gt CO2-e.ConclusionsThe carbon dioxide removed by Brazilian forest plantations over the 26 years represent almost the totality of the country´s emissions from the waste sector within the same period, or from the agriculture, forestry and other land use sector in 2016. We concluded that forest plantations play an important role in mitigating GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions in Brazil. This study is helpful to improve national reporting on plantation forests and their GHG sequestration potential, and to achieve Brazil’s Nationally Determined Contribution and the Paris Agreement.
Highlights
We analyzed the dynamics of carbon (C) stocks and CO2 removals by Brazilian forest plantations over the period 1990–2016
The sectoral statistics provided by the SFB (Brazilian Forest Service) to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are based on secondary and indirect data, due to the lack of primary information
Among the most relevant data to policymakers are biomass and carbon stocks, as well as their temporal dynamics. These data can be used by the forestry industry as well as by the government committed to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a requirement of the Paris Agreement [9]
Summary
We analyzed the dynamics of carbon (C) stocks and CO2 removals by Brazilian forest plantations over the period 1990–2016. C stocks in necromass (deadwood and litter) and harvested wood products (HWP) were included in the calculations It is strategically important for any country to have upto-date and reliable information on the state and future trends of its forests since good forestry statistics are essential tools to implement public policies to attract productive investments. The sectoral statistics provided by the SFB (Brazilian Forest Service) to the FAO are based on secondary and indirect data, due to the lack of primary information. In future, this data gap may be filled by the completion of the new forest inventory that has been carried out in various regions of the country [2]. These data can be used by the forestry industry as well as by the government committed to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a requirement of the Paris Agreement [9]
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