Evaluating CO₂ Sequestration Enhancement Through Silvicultural Practices : a Simulation Analysis

Sammanfattning

Forests in reserves are often left untouched to preserve biodiversity, allowing nature to shape their structure over time. Consequently, natural forests in nature reserves and national parks tend to be denser than managed forests under similar conditions, which can impact their ability to sequester carbon. This study examines the effects of low-intensity forest management on carbon sequestration in temperate broadleaf forests. Simulations were performed using Heureka’s RegWise tool with forest data from Söderåsen National Park in southern Sweden, predominantly featuring beech trees. The management scenarios examined included no treatment, selective fellings that removed 5–10 % of the basal area per intervention, and lower-intensity fellings that removed 2–5 % of the basal area. The results showed that even minor interventions significantly increased net carbon sequestration over the 100-year simulation period, all while preserving forest structure and avoiding drastic disturbance to natural systems conditions. Among the three main species dominant in any plot, Fagus sylvatica (European beech) and Picea abies (Norway spruce) showed significant improvement in carbon sequestration after minimal intervention. In contrast, Betula pendula (silver birch) did not exhibit significant improvement after minimal intervention when compared to an unmanaged forest. The findings indicate that tailored management strategies, both species-specific and site-specific, can enhance carbon sequestration. Simulation tools, such as Heureka, provide a user-friendly, site-focused strategy that can guide national park management as well as private forest owners, particularly as the importance of carbon farming and credits increases in European forestry policy. Through systematic data gathering and focused actions, managed forests can play a significant role in mitigating climate change. This topic still requires additional research for a complete understanding of how other site characteristics, or species, can influence carbon sequestration.