Spatial distribution and dynamics of carbon storage in natural Larix gmelinii forest in Daxing’anling mountains of Inner Mongolia, northeastern China

Abstract

In order to clarify the geographic distribution and change of natural Larix gmelinii forest in carbon storage in Daxing’anling mountains (Great Khingan Range) in North China’s Inner Mongolia, an area-irrelevant conversion equation of biomass from timber volume in the form of B = 0.6966 V was developed by using survey data. Based on the equation, the carbon storage was estimated at 190.172 Tg, and the average carbon density was 41.659 Mg/hm2 (area 4.565 × 106 hm2). Carbon stored in standing trees was predominantly distributed in mid-age and mature forests and mainly stocked in the northern part of the study area. Assuming the carbon density of intact area as the maximum value, the potential carbon storage in the entire study area would be 263.674 Tg, approximately 1.4 times of the actual level. Over the period of 1995 to 2010, the carbon storage and carbon density increased by 3.260 Tg and 0.224 Mg/hm2, respectively, indicating a weak carbon sink. Comparing with China’s national average level, the carbon density in this area is not as high as expected. Forest quality in terms of carbon capacity is expected to be enhanced by appropriate management schemes under the in-implementation program of forest protection.