Estimating Carbon Storage Based on the Radial Stem Growth of Pinus koraiensis

Abstract

This study mainly estimated the carbon stored in Pinus koraiensis based on radial stem growth. Radial growth ring density was obtained with the X-ray microdensitometer from radial strips. Growth ring width, latewood percentage and growth rate in each growth ring were measured from remaining disks with a micrometer fitted in stereoscope. The amount of carbon fixed in wood was obtained based on the incremental growth of entire tree, as well as wood density in a particular growth ring. Results based on radial variation in the growth ring density indicated that the plantation P. koraiensis trees began to produce mature wood at 17 years of age. After reaching maturity, growth ring density decreased. By around 7 years of age, growth ring width began decreasing, whereas latewood percentage steadily increased until maturity. The overall growth rate decreased rapidly, from pith to approximately the ninth growth ring. The amount of carbon fixed in wood was positively correlated with growth ring density and latewood percentage and negatively correlated with growth ring width and growth rate. These correlations were significant at 1% confidence level. Thus, carbon storage is accurately predicted from tree growth characteristics.