Stock di carbonio e produttività in una rete nazionale di foreste vetuste di faggio
Author(s)
D'Andrea, Ettore
Date Issued
April 27, 2012
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Recent data seem to questionate the hypothesis that mature and old-growth forests have a neutral
carbon balance. However, data from Italy are lacking.
The aims of the present study were to estimate carbon stock, NPP and to assess the role of forest
management in managed and old-growth forests. To reach the objectives we selected old growth
beech forests in the centre and north of Italy and in Gargano, and, at similar altitude we chose
managed forests.
The old growth forest total carbon stock was 512 MgC ha-1 distributed as follows: 54% in biomass,
2% in deadwood, 1% in soil litter and 42% in soil. Carbon stock in the managed forest was 467
MgC ha-1, with the following distribution: 47% in biomass, 0.06% in deadwood, 2% in soil litter
and 49% in soil.
NPP, differently from biomass, did not vary between old growth and managed forests, being 6.12
MgC ha-1y-1and 6.69 MgC ha-1 y-1, respectively. Altitude is the only environmental factor that
influences net primary production.
In conclusion, carbon stock of old growth forests, being generally larger than that of managed
stands, can be considered a realistic benchmark of carbon accumulation of similar stand in the same
conditions.
NPP of old growth and managed beech forests was similar, providing indication that old growth
forests can not be considered neutral in the carbon cycle.
The main effects of past management are the absence of coarse deadwood in managed forest and an
overall structural simplification. However, in the investigated conditions, management has not
affected significantly the soil carbon pool.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ecologia forestale
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