A comparative study of regional and cover type influences on carbon content in above-ground woody live biomass

Abstract

This thesis provides an analysis of the influence of forest region, cover type, and species composition on carbon storage in above-ground woody biomass across boreal and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence (GLSL) regions. The plot data was gathered for Perimeter Forest Ltd., which specialises in providing high-integrity carbon credits resulting from its forest management and biodiversity conservation efforts in Canada. The study unveils significant regional differences in carbon storage capabilities, with the GLSL region's hardwood ecosystems exhibiting superior carbon storage potential compared to the boreal region. The study also found that the type of cover type had an influence on the amount of carbon present. Tolerant hardwoods showed higher levels of carbon in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region, while mixed woods showed higher levels in the boreal region. These differences are attributed to the distinct ecological adaptations, growth rates, and sizes of species within each region. The findings highlight the necessity of sophisticated, dynamic management approaches that consider regional differences, species diversity, and stand ecological characteristics to maximize carbon storage and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.