Article:

Fischlin, A., 1996. Conflicting objectives while maximizing carbon 
        sequestration by forests.  NATO ASI Series, I-40(452): 
        163-172.

Abstract:

Forests are expected to help mitigate climatic change while still producing wood. Using a simple model of forest growth, harvesting, and a carbon pool of long-lived wood products, several management options were investigated in terms of average carbon sequestration and mean annual wood production. Model parameters were chosen to represent Northern, mid-latitude average growing conditions. The sensitivities of carbon sequestration and wood production relative to deviations in these parameters were used to explore and optimize management options.

The biggest C-sequestration was obtained in unused forests, the next best under selectively cutting (plenter management) with a relatively short period length in stands with a high standing volume close to the carrying capacity. In average growing conditions (which differ from those of plantations), the option of storing C in long-lived wood products while harvesting at maximum sustainable yield (MSY) appear much less profitable than has been previously reported (Marland & Marland, 1992) . Since the objective to maximize C-sequestration fundamentally conflict with that of wood production (e.g. MSY vs. maximum standing crop), a democratic decision process should actually decide on how societies wish to balance strategies solely maximizing harvest vs. those enhancing C sequestration.

Full text 4.5 MB