JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2023, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3): 225-233.doi: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202107035

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Effects of forest carbon sequestration on optimal rotation of plantations: a case study of Chinese fir and larch

CHU Anting1(), NING Zhuo1,*(), YANG Hongqiang1,2   

  1. 1. College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Forestry University, Research Center for Economics and Trade in Forest Products, NFGA, Nanjing 210037, China
    2. Research Center for the Yangtze River Delta’s Socioeconomic Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093,China
  • Received:2021-07-24 Revised:2021-10-25 Online:2023-05-30 Published:2023-05-25
  • Contact: NING Zhuo E-mail:1742167681@qq.com;ningzhuo@njfu.edu.cn

Abstract:

【Objective】In the context of China’s natural forest logging ban, the carbon sequestration function of planted forests plays an important role in mitigating climate change. This study therefore aimed to analyze the impact of forestry carbon sequestration on the optimal rotation age of plantations in China and to provide a theoretical basis for management strategies of carbon sequestration in plantations.【Method】Taking the Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir) plantation in the southern forest area and the (Larix spp.) (larch) plantation in the northern forest area as examples, the revised Faustmann-Hartman model was used as the theoretical basis. The forest growth model and formula of forestry carbon sequestration supply were used to calculate the optimal rotation age and expected values, before comparing the differences.【Result】(1) Regardless of the tree species and site conditions, inclusion of carbon sequestration income into the management target increased the expected value of forestland. (2) When the carbon price was 35 yuan/t with an interest rate of 5%, the carbon sequestration income was included in the forest land management target, with the optimal rotation age extended by less than one year. When the only carbon sequestration income was considered, the income of the forest carbon increased alongside the extension of the rotation age. (3) When the carbon price fluctuated within the range of 0-125 yuan/t, the optimal rotation age of Chinese fir changed by 2-3 years, the optimal rotation age of larch remained unchanged, whilst there was no obvious change in the expected maximum forest land value.【Conclusion】(1) Carbon sequestration management of plantations was beneficial for the forest land investment. (2) Under the current management intensity and carbon price, the carbon prices are much lower than wood prices, and hence, when the carbon sequestration income is included in the forestland management target, the management strategy would not change significantly. On considering only the benefits of the carbon sequestration, benefits were greatest when deforestation was not considered. (3) When carbon prices changed at a lower level, the impact on the optimal rotation age was insignificant.

Key words: forest carbon sequestration, plantation, optimal rotation age, forest managements, Faustmann formula

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