| title: | Carbon pools and sequestration in a chronosequence of spruce-birch forest |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5466 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.10-1.16. Bio-Geo Sciences |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | TU Faculty of Biology and Geography |
| head of project: | Olevi Kull |
| duration: | 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2006 |
| description: | The aims of the study are (1) to measure major carbon pools in a chronosequence (from fresh clear-cut to mature forest) of spruce-birch forest located within a single site; (2) to estimate major carbon flow in these ecosystems using both direct measurements and indirect estimations based on models of carbon dynamics; (3) to estimate magnitude of carbon loss due to clear-cut and the affect of forestry management on carbon dynamics in order to determine the influence of tree species composition and herbaceous vegetation on carbon cycle. On bses of current knowledge we suppose that rapid initial loss of soil carbon will follow clear-cutting, however, the rapidly developing herbaceous canopy will restore carbon input within few years. The most important change to the carbon cycle after clear-cutting is related to altered litter quality due to changes in species composition. To achieve these aims and test the hypothesis 10 plots aged 0-80 years in a compact area with spruce-birch forest will be chosen. Carbon content of soil, root production and litter input will be measured or assessed. Additionally, aboveground carbon stocks will be estimated. On bases of these measurements a carbon cycle model will be developed and parameterised. Results of this study will be published in international journals and will be presented at international conferences. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Anne Aan | University of Tartu | Ph.D. student | |
| 2. | Lea Hallik | University of Tartu | Ph.D. student | |
| 3. | Olevi Kull | TU Faculty of Biology and Geography | professor | |
| 4. | Pille Mänd | University of Tartu | Ph.D. student | |
| 5. | Robert Szava-Kovats | University of Tartu | researcher | |