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Dryad

Data from: Tissue-specific carbon concentration, carbon stock, and distribution in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hookplantations at various developmental stages in subtropical China

Cite this dataset

Zhou, Lili et al. (2019). Data from: Tissue-specific carbon concentration, carbon stock, and distribution in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hookplantations at various developmental stages in subtropical China [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.61pm78v

Abstract

Key message Carbon (C) concentrations in Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook plantations differed significantly among tissue types and were greater for aboveground than belowground tissues. Plantation C stock increased with developmental stage from young to mature to overmature, but at all stages the majority occurred as soil organic carbon (SOC) and was more influenced by belowground fine roots than by aboveground litterfall. Context Failing to account for tissue-specific variation in the C concentration can result in inaccurate forest C stock estimates. Aims We aimed to quantify the relative magnitudes of C stock for Chinese fir plantations at different developmental stages. Specifically, we focused on assessing tissue-specific C concentrations and C dynamics return of above- and belowground litterfall. Methods Carbon traits (C concentration, C flux, C stock and distribution at tree and ecosystem scales) were quantified in a chronosequence of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) monoculture plantation stands at young (10), mature (22), and overmature (34 years old) developmental stages. Results Carbon concentrations differed significantly among tissue types, with mean values of 48.5 ± 0.1% and 42.5 ± 0.2% for above- and belowground biomass, respectively. The aboveground tissue C concentration, tree- and plantation-scale C stock, and SOC stock depended on developmental stage. Carbon return in litterfall, tree C stock, and SOC increased from the young to the overmature stage. SOC stock accounted for the majority of plantation C stock at all developmental stages (78.3, 59.6 and 55.7% in the young, mature and overmature stages, respectively) and was more highly influenced by belowground fine roots than aboveground litterfall. Carbon stocks in Chinese fir plantations were 86, 129, and 153 t ha-2 at the young, mature, and overmature stages. Conclusion Prolonging Chinese fir rotation increases C sequestration potential and should be the focus of forest management strategies. The tissue-specific C concentrations provide detailed information for more accurate biomass C stock estimates for Chinese fir plantations and other subtropical coniferous forest. They indicate that current guidelines result in an overestimation of belowground biomass C stocks. Using the standard 0.47 biomass to C conversion factor, the belowground C stock would have been overestimated by 7.6-13.0% for the Chinese fir developmental stages investigated, while tree C stock would be underestimated by 0.08-3.24%. Therefore, developing species- and tissue-specific conversion factors are required for supporting C plantation and forest C accounting strategies.

Usage notes

Location

China