Comparative evaluation of carbon sequestration accounting methods by pine-birch forest plantations in voronezh region

Current state of forest carbon budget accounting both in Russia and abroad is characterized by wide variety of methodological approaches and models. Therefore, final estimates have discrepancies. The results of comparative analysis of methods used to assess carbon sequestration in pine-birch forest stands are presented. The composition, growth and biological productivity of forest stands were analyzed as well as carbon stock was calculated for pine-birch forest stands in various age groups in the Central Forest-Steppe. The dynamics of biological productivity of modal forest stands with mixed composition is investigated. Significant differences were found in quantitative assessment of carbon deposited by forest stands obtained with three different methodologies. Discrepancies in carbon content estimations in forest stands with different age and composition obtained by different methods vary from 2.0 to 33.9%. The problem of reliable assessment of carbon sequestration by forest ecosystems of the Central Forest-Steppe requires regional approaches in development of assessment methods to provide precise results and minimize uncertainty of evaluations