z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Effects of harvesting on spatial and temporal diversity of carbon stocks in a boreal forest landscape
Author(s) -
TerMikaelian Michael T.,
Colombo Stephen J.,
Chen Jiaxin
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.751
Subject(s) - environmental science , taiga , carbon stock , carbon fibers , agroforestry , sustainable forest management , forest management , forestry , forest ecology , carbon sequestration , range (aeronautics) , secondary forest , ecosystem , climate change , ecology , geography , carbon dioxide , biology , mathematics , materials science , composite number , composite material , algorithm
Carbon stocks in managed forests of O ntario, C anada, and in harvested wood products originated from these forests were estimated for 2010–2100. Simulations included four future forest harvesting scenarios based on historical harvesting levels (low, average, high, and maximum available) and a no‐harvest scenario. In four harvesting scenarios, forest carbon stocks in O ntario's managed forest were estimated to range from 6202 to 6227 Mt C (millions of tons of carbon) in 2010, and from 6121 to 6428 Mt C by 2100. Inclusion of carbon stored in harvested wood products in use and in landfills changed the projected range in 2100 to 6710–6742 Mt C. For the no‐harvest scenario, forest carbon stocks were projected to change from 6246 Mt C in 2010 to 6680 Mt C in 2100. Spatial variation in projected forest carbon stocks was strongly related to changes in forest age ( r  = 0.603), but had weak correlation with harvesting rates. For all managed forests in O ntario combined, projected carbon stocks in combined forest and harvested wood products converged to within 2% difference by 2100. The results suggest that harvesting in the boreal forest, if applied within limits of sustainable forest management, will eventually have a relatively small effect on long‐term combined forest and wood products carbon stocks. However, there was a large time lag to approach carbon equality, with more than 90 years with a net reduction in stored carbon in harvested forests plus wood products compared to nonharvested boreal forest which also has low rates of natural disturbance. The eventual near equivalency of carbon stocks in nonharvested forest and forest that is harvested and protected from natural disturbance reflects both the accumulation of carbon in harvested wood products and the relatively young age at which boreal forest stands undergo natural succession in the absence of disturbance.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here