Carbon dioxide emission mitigation potential of Mississippi forests and impacts to nonindustrial private forest land management.

摘要

This study reviews research pertaining to the effects of various forest management practices on the above and below-ground carbon fluxes of southern forests. Carbon storage effects of bedding, disking, shear and pile, fertilization, and herbaceous weed control operations were simulated utilizing the PTAEDA3 growth and yield model for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Various planting densities and site conditions were also considered. Financial criteria, such as land expectation value, and tons/acre were used to compare tradeoffs between silvicultural treatments. Projections over a 90 year rotation indicate total carbon storage capacity of loblolly pine stands to be approximately 250 tons/acre. As expected, total carbon sequestration increases with age and better site productivity, but the impact of alternative silvicultural techniques is unclear across time periods. In addition, results indicate that carbon sequestration projections past age 40 may not be adequately supported by existing data.