Management of Carbon in Boreal Forests for Climatic Benefits: Overall Review

On a global scale, the carbon in boreal forest ecosystems represents a large proportion of the land-based carbon stored in aboveground biomass (trees, ground vegetation) and soil organic matter (litter, humus) and living/dead roots of trees and ground vegetation. Intensified forest management increases ecosystem carbon stocks by increasing primary production in different phases of the growth and development of trees and ground vegetation through succession of forest chronosequences. Intensive forest management includes the use of fast-growing genotypes of tree species, mechanical soil preparation of low to moderate intensity, appropriate thinning, and fertilization. Similar management measures can also be used in extensive management. However, the intensity, frequency, and management investment per unit land area are lower than in intensive management. Carbon sequestration and carbon stocks have strong relationships and synergetic effects with the supply of timber and biomass as management intensity increases. However, the strong relationships and constructive interaction between timber and carbon sequestration involve a strong trade-off in relation to biological diversity.