Carbon deposition by pine stands of the Krasnoyarsk forest steppe during care logging

Abstract

The structure of the carbon pool in the middle-aged and mature pine stands of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe during care logging has been studied. The basis for calculations is data on the dynamics of the volume stocks of the stands. In accordance with the method of conversion coefficients, the phytomass of fractions (stem, bark, branches and needles) was calculated, which was then converted into carbon stocks. It has been established that the main contribution to the carbon pool of pine stands is made by stem wood. In medium-aged pine stands, the proportion of stems in the bark is 66–70 % of the total phytomass, and for mature stands this value is in the range of 76–80 %. The contribution of roots in medium-aged stands is about 20 %, and in mature stands 14–16 %. Branches and needles account for about 6.5 and 5.5 %, respectively, and in mature stands – 4.5–6.0 and 1.5–1.8 %. Felling residues account for about 13 % in medium-aged stands, and about 9 % in mature stands. In medium-aged and mature stands, when felling with an intensity of 15–20 %, it takes about 10 years to restore the carbon pool to the pre-cutting level. Felling residues in quantities proportional to the intensity of logging remain at the logging sites, and the carbon deposited in these fractions is an integral part of the ecosystem pool. In order to obtain the greatest increase in the phytomass of pine stands and minimize carbon losses during felling, selective logging using modern technologies for clearing felling areas and processing logging waste is most appropriate. It is possible to increase carbon absorption and minimize carbon dioxide emissions during felling of forest care by determining the intensity of optimal thinning of the tree stand.

Keywords

• pine forests
• care logging
• carbon pool
• fractional composition of phytomass