『Abstract
we reviewed the experimental evidence for long-term carbon (C)
sequestration in soils as consequence of specific forest management
strategies. Utilization of terrestrial C sinks alleviates the
burden of countries which are committed to reducing their greenhouse
gas emissions. Land-use changes such as those which result from
afforestration and management of fast-growing tree species, have
an immediate effect on the regional rate of C sequestration by
incorporating carbon dioxide (CO2) in plant
biomass. The potential for such practices is limited in Europe
by environmental and political constraints. The management of
existing forests can also increase C sequestration, but earlier
reviews found conflicting evidence regarding the effects of forest
management on soil C pools. We analyzed the effects of harvesting,
thinning, fertilization application, drainage, tree species selection,
and control of natural disturbances on soil C dynamics. We focused
on factors that affect the C input to the soil and the C release
via decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). The differentiation
of SOM into labile and stable soil C fraction is important. There
is ample evidence about the effects of management on the amount
of C in the organic layers of the forest floor, but much less
information about measurable effects of management on stable C
pools in the mineral soil. The C storage capacity of the stable
pool can be enhanced by increasing the productivity of the forest
and thereby increasing the C input to the soil. Minimizing the
disturbances in the stand structure and soil reduces the risk
of unintended C losses. The establishment of mixed species forests
increases the stability of the forest and can avoid high rates
of SOM decomposition. The rate of C accumulation and its distribution
within the soil profile differs between tree species. Differences
in the stability of SOM as a direct species effect have not yet
been reported.
Keywords: Soil C dynamics; Forest management; Natural disturbance;
C sequestration』
Contents
1. Introduction
2. The pool of soil organic carbon
2.1. Factors influencing the soil C pool
2.2. Stabilization of soil organic matter
3. Afforestation - Kyoto Protocol article 3.3
4. Influence of tree species
5. Stand management - Kyoto Protocol article 3.4
6. Disturbances - fire, storm and pest infestation
7. Improvement of site conditions
7.1. Nitrogen fertilization
7.2. Natural aggradation of forests
7.3. Liming
7.4. Water management - peatlands
7.5. Site preparation
8. Discussion
References