Carbon dynamics of boreal mixedwoods in central Canada

Abstract

Large amount of carbon (C) stored in boreal forest ecosystems plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Forest ecosystem C is stored in four major pools: live vegetation (above-and below ground), dead woody material (snags, down woody debris, and stumps), organic soil horizons (forest floor), and mineral soil. Carbon cycling among these pools is mainly determined by disturbance. A large portion of previously fire-driven ecosystems in boreal North American forest are now managed.