Thinning Impacts On Carbon Storage In Larch And Mongolian Pine Plantation

Carbon storage and its spatial distribution were studied in Larix olgensis and Mongolian pine plantation at different ages and densities and thinning, in hilly area of Sanjing plain. The main results showed that:1) Forest age and density significantly impact on total ecosystem carbon in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation. Total ecosystem carbon significant increased with age increased (P<0.05), and significant decreased with density increased in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation (P<0.05).2) Live tree carbon model, shrub carbon model, herb carbon model and soil carbon model based on forest age and density in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation, their accuracy is above 95%.3) Forest age and density significantly impact on ecosystem carbon allocation in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation. Every component percentage of ecosystem carbon is changed with forest age and density.4) Thinning increased total ecosystem carbon and cumulative total carbon in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation. Total ecosystem carbon is higher in Larch plantation than Mongolian pine plantation.5) Thinning altered every component percentage of ecosystem carbon. But thinning didn’t impact the order of every component percentage of ecosystem carbon.6) Thinning significant increased live tree average annual carbon sequestration in Larch and Mongolian pine. Live tree average annual carbon sequestration is biggest in the young forest. Live tree carbon growth rate is higher in Larch plantation than in Mongolian pine plantation.7) Thinning significantly decreased cumulative dead tree carbon in Larch and Mongolian pine plantation. Dead tree carbon is the biggest after 30 a. This stage is the key period of management.