Aboveground Carbon Content and Storage in Mature Scots Pine Stands of Different Densities

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The continuous increase in the amount of atmospheric CO2 is a factor that significantly contributes to global warming. Forests can be used to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon and storing it. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most abundant tree species in Polish forests and can substantially aid carbon accumulation. The aim of the study was to determine the carbon content in the dry mass of various parts of Scots pine trees and to evaluate the relationship between the accumulation of carbon in aboveground tree biomass and some stand parameters. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in 20 even-aged (81–90 years old) Scots pine stands in northwestern Poland (Drawno Forest District). The densities of these stands ranged from 476 to 836 trees per hectare. The aboveground biomass was calculated as the sum of the following tree compartments: stem (wood and bark), dead branches, thick branches, thin branches and needles. The carbon content and storage in these compartments was determined. Results: The mean carbon content was lowest in stem wood (47.0%) and highest in needles (50.3%). No correlation between the stand density and the level of carbon stored in the aboveground biomass of Scots pines was found.