Carbon sequestration and the optimal forest harvest decision: A dynamic programming approach considering biomass and dead organic matter

Published Date

Journal of Forest Economics

Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 3-17

Author 

Asante, P.^a , 

Armstrong, G.W.^a , 

Adamowicz, W.L.^b 

 

^a  Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2H1, Canada
^b  Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2H1, Canada 

Abstract

Carbon sequestration in forests is being considered as a mechanism to slow or reverse the trend of increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We present results from a dynamic programming model used to determine the optimal harvest decision for a forest stand in the boreal forest of western Canada that provides both timber harvest volume and carbon sequestration services. The state of the system at any point in time is described by stand age and the amount of carbon in the dead organic matter pool. Merchantable timber volume and biomass are predicted as a function of stand age. Carbon stocks in the dead organic matter pool changes as a result of decomposition and litterfall. The results of the study indicate that while optimal harvest age is relatively insensitive to carbon stocks in dead organic matter, initial carbon stock levels significantly affect economic returns to carbon management. © 2010 Department of Forest Economics, SLU Umeå, Sweden.

Author keywords

Boreal forest; Carbon market; Optimal rotation

Indexed keywords

Boreal forests; Carbon management; Carbon market; Carbon sequestration; Carbon stocks; Dynamic programming model; Economic returns; Forest harvest; Forest stand; Litterfalls; Optimal rotation; Organic matter; Stand age; Timber harvests; Timber volume

Engineering controlled terms: Biogeochemistry; Biological materials; Carbon dioxide; Forestry; Harvesting; Lakes; Optimization; Organic compounds; Rotation; Timber

Engineering main heading: Dynamic programming

GEOBASE Subject Index: biomass allocation; boreal forest; carbon sequestration; emissions trading; environmental economics; linear programing; numerical model; organic matter; timber harvesting

PaperChem Variable: Biomass; Carbon Dioxide; Dynamics; Forests; Harvesting; Lakes; Optimization; Organic Compounds; Organic Matter; Rotation

Regional Index: Canada

ISSN: 11046899Source Type: Journal Original language: English

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfe.2010.07.001Document Type: Article

  Armstrong, G.W.; University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1, Canada;
© Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

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