Temporal carbon dynamics of forests in Washington, US: implications for ecological theory and carbon management

Crystal Raymond; Donald McKenzie

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2013.09.026

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Temporal carbon dynamics of forests in Washington, US: implications for ecological theory and carbon management

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Crystal Raymond, Donald McKenzie

Year:

2014

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2013.09.026

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management. 310: 796-811

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Abstract

We quantified carbon (C) dynamics of forests in Washington, US using theoretical models of C dynamics as a function of forest age. We fit empirical models to chronosequences of forest inventory data at two scales: a coarse-scale ecosystem classification (ecosections) and forest types (potential vegetation) within ecosections. We hypothesized that analysis at the finer scale of forest types would reduce variability, yielding better fitting models. We fit models for three temporal dynamics: accumulation of live biomass, accumulation of dead biomass, and net primary productivity. We compared fitted model parameters among ecosections and among forest types to determine differences in potential C storage and uptake.

Keywords

carbon, biomass, net primary productivity, forest management, Pacific Northwest

Citation

Raymond, Crystal L.; McKenzie, Donald. 2013. Temporal carbon dynamics of forests in Washington, US: implications for ecological theory and carbon management. Forest Ecology and Management. 310: 796-811.