Phytomass Reserves and Distribution of Biogenic Elements in Gmelin Larch Stands in Central Evenkia (Using the Example of a Small Drainage Basin)

Abstract

For the first time, for a small watershed in Central Evenkia, using the method of model trees, a change in the composition and structure, as well as in the phytomass and biogenic elements reserves in larch forests, depending on the age of the stands, was revealed. It was found that the main mass-forming components in the phytomass of all stands are the trunk and root fractions. The proportion of the trunk phytomass increases and the proportion of branches and needles decreases with age. It was found that the composition of the roots changes little with the age of the stand, which confirms the hypothesis of the annual primary carbon investment into larch roots in the permafrost zone. It is shown that the largest carbon reserves are accumulated in overmature stands, while nitrogen reserves accumulates in the needles of young stands.