Journal of Environmental Science International (한국환경과학회지)

The Korean Environmental Sciences Society (한국환경과학회)
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Evaluation of CO2 Storage and Uptake by Forest Landscapes in the Middle Region of Korea

  • Jo, Hyun-Kil (Department of Landscape Architecture, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Ahn, Tae-Won (Plant Environmental Research Station, Suppro Nursery Co., Ltd.)
  • Received : 2012.11.20
  • Accepted : 2013.02.18
  • Published : 2013.02.28
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Abstract

Anthropogenic increases in greenhouse gas concentrations, primarily through radiative forcing from carbon dioxide, continue to challenge earth's climate. This study quantified $CO_2$ storage and uptake by dominant forest types and age classes in the middle region of Korea. In addition, the role of forest landscapes in reducing atmospheric $CO_2$ against $CO_2$ emissions based on energy consumption was evaluated. Mean $CO_2$ storage and uptake per unit area by woody plants for three forest types and four age classes were estimated applying regression equations derived to quantify $CO_2$ storage and uptake per tree; and computations per soil unit area were also performed. Total $CO_2$ storage and uptake by forest landscapes were estimated by extrapolating $CO_2$ storage and uptake per unit area. Results indicated mean $CO_2$ storage per unit area by woody plants and soils was higher in older age classes for the same forest types, and higher in broadleaved than coniferous forests for the same age classes, with the exception of age class II (11-20 years). $CO_2$ storage by broadleaved forests of age class V (41-50 years) averaged 662.0 t/ha (US$331.0 hundred/ha), highest for all forest types and age classes evaluated. Overall, an increased mean $CO_2$ uptake per unit area by woody plants was evident for older age classes for the same forest types. However, decreased $CO_2$ uptake by broadleaved forests at age class V was observed, compared to classes III and IV with an average of 27.9 t/ha/yr (US$14.0 hundred/ha/yr). Total $CO_2$ storage by woody plants and soils in the study area was equivalent to 3.4 times the annual $CO_2$ emissions, and woody plants annually offset the $CO_2$ emissions by 17.7%. The important roles of plants and soils were associated with 39.1% of total forest area in South Korea, and $CO_2$ emissions comprised 62.2% of the total population. Therefore, development of forest lands may change $CO_2$ sinks into sources. Forest landscape management strategies were explored to maintain or improve forest roles in reducing atmospheric $CO_2$ levels.

Keywords

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