Carbon sequestration and natural longleaf pine ecosystems

Abstract

A fire-maintained longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystem may offer the best option for carbon (C) sequestration among the southern pines. Longleaf is the longest living of the southern pines, and products from longleaf pine will sequester C longer than most since they are likely to be solid wood products such as structural lumber and poles. In addition, a fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystem supports a productive understory of grasses and herbaceous plants. A study initiated in 1973 to determine the effects of using prescribed fire for hardwood control is being used to assess the amount of C in the overstory, understory vegetation, litter layer, and soils.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

Meldahl, Ralph S.; Kush, John S. 2006. Carbon sequestration and natural longleaf pine ecosystems. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 109-110