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Stand density index as a tool to assess the maximization of forest carbon and biomass

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Given the ability of forests to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and provide feedstocks to energy utilities, there is an emerging need to assess forest biomass/carbon accretion opportunities over large areas. Techniques for objectively quantifying stand stocking of biomass/carbon are lacking for large areas given the complexity of tree species composition in the U.S. Relative density, as determined through the Stand Density Index, may provide a technique to rapidly assess stand biomass/carbon stocking across the entire U.S. Using this approach in the eastern U.S. for 24 of the most common tree species, we found that maximum live aboveground tree carbon decreased as tree interspecific stocking decreased (i.e., toward more pure forest stands); this result was more pronounced in overstocked stands. Although the relative approach detailed in this study may not be appropriate at local scales for intensively managed forest types, it would be useful for making informed policy decisions at large scales where complex stocking and tree species mixtures complicate carbon/biomass studies. We suggest that future studies explore refinement of the maximum SDI model for national applications in the carbon/biomass arena.

Parent Publication

Citation

Woodall, Christopher W.; D’Amato, Anthony W.; Bradford, John B.; Finley, Andrew O. 2012. Stand density index as a tool to assess the maximization of forest carbon and biomass. In: McWilliams, Will; Roesch, Francis A. eds. 2012. Monitoring Across Borders: 2010 Joint Meeting of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Symposium and the Southern Mensurationists. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-157. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 293-296.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/41016