The Evaluation of Small- and Medium-Stream Carbon Pools in the Riparian Forests in Latvia

Abstract

Riparian forests are considered to be productive transitional zones between aquatic and terrestrial environments. Despite the complex systems of riparian forests, little is known about their potential for carbon storage, particularly under temperate climates. This study aimed to calculate the major carbon pools (woody biomass) of riparian forests surrounding small and medium streams in the hemiboreal zone in Latvia. The estimated woody carbon pool of the studied riparian forests was comparable to that in commercially managed forest stands within the region. The total woody biomass carbon pool was 141.6 ± 62.5 Mg C ha−1, the majority of which was formed by stem biomass. Similar to other studies, there was high spatial variability, while significant differences were observed between dominant tree species. The results suggest that the carbon storage of the studied riparian forests was not as high as it was expected to be; however, the results did not include soil carbon pool assessment. Grey alder stands, which are considered undesirable near streams due to erosion and nutrient leakage, formed a significantly lower carbon pool, supporting their management for the multipurpose goal of riparian forests.