PJB-2018-354
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL PATTERNS OF ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS AND ITS DRIVING FORCES IN A SUB--TROPICAL FOREST: A CASE STUDY
Lei Ma
Abstract
An accurate characterization of aboveground biomass dynamics and its driving forces in sub-tropical forests is important to evaluate the contribution to global carbon stocks. In order to estimate the effects of local-scale variables on temporal and spatial patterns of aboveground biomass, we investigated the variation of aboveground biomass, and the relationship with these variables, based on 20 ha sub-tropical permanent plot inventory data. In this study, we found that mean value of aboveground biomass was 153.7 Mg ha-1 in 2005, and 149.3 Mg ha-1 in 2010. Aboveground biomass changed due to tree mortality, growth and recruitment during the 5 year period. Medium sized trees (DBH: 30-50 cm) were the largest contributor to total aboveground biomass. The species diversity index and individuals within medium and large DBH ranges had significantly positive effects on aboveground biomass. The species diversity index and individuals within medium and large DBH ranges showed significant positive effects on aboveground biomass. In the study plot, abiotic factors (i.e., elevation, aspect) had significantly positive and negative effects on aboveground biomass. The present study provides a summary of aboveground biomass of sub-tropical forests and indicates the importance of including community characteristics and environmental variables in forest ecosystem carbon studies. Results from this study enhance our ability to evaluate the role of old-growth forests at the local scale and have implications for planning conservation strategies. It also provides important data for developing and validating carbon cycling models for old-growth sub-tropical forests.
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